May
An exceptionally dry and sunny April on the back of an already dry March sees the garden pond rapidly drying out although the tub ponds with their lower surface area to depth ratio are still holding out, as are the mill and refuge ponds.
Prolonged above average temperatures has triggered odonata emergence at least two weeks in advance of their usual time elsewhere in the west of England, and in the reserve as well, damselflies have emerged early. Large red male damselflies have been tussling for territory over the bathtub ponds, and one or two azure damselflies have also been seen in the last week. Watch out, too, for beautiful demoiselle beginning to appear now, basking in the sunnier spots ready to ambush prey.
Tree foliage is getting much more dense now so spotting birds is difficult. As of today (7/5/11) an unsettled spell is bringing much needed rain so growth will accelerate further.
Large red damselflies are usually one of the first odonata to appear. This male was vainly guarding a patch in the rapidly diminishing garden pond.
A macro shot showing the formidable eyes in this large red damselfly that give odonata some of the best eyesight of all the insects. Note also the large jaws of a predator.
A beautiful demoiselle (calopteryx virgo) male. Like all odonata, young adults feed up on live prey away from water before getting down to the business of starting the next generation. Some of the larger dragonflies can be found many miles away from water, but they all have to return to breed. Look out for males tussling over the brook during the summer months.
Azure damselfly male. This individual has emerged several weeks earlier than usual due to the exceptionally warm and dry Spring.
Prolonged above average temperatures has triggered odonata emergence at least two weeks in advance of their usual time elsewhere in the west of England, and in the reserve as well, damselflies have emerged early. Large red male damselflies have been tussling for territory over the bathtub ponds, and one or two azure damselflies have also been seen in the last week. Watch out, too, for beautiful demoiselle beginning to appear now, basking in the sunnier spots ready to ambush prey.
Tree foliage is getting much more dense now so spotting birds is difficult. As of today (7/5/11) an unsettled spell is bringing much needed rain so growth will accelerate further.
Large red damselflies are usually one of the first odonata to appear. This male was vainly guarding a patch in the rapidly diminishing garden pond.
A macro shot showing the formidable eyes in this large red damselfly that give odonata some of the best eyesight of all the insects. Note also the large jaws of a predator.
A beautiful demoiselle (calopteryx virgo) male. Like all odonata, young adults feed up on live prey away from water before getting down to the business of starting the next generation. Some of the larger dragonflies can be found many miles away from water, but they all have to return to breed. Look out for males tussling over the brook during the summer months.
Azure damselfly male. This individual has emerged several weeks earlier than usual due to the exceptionally warm and dry Spring.
Mike.
posted by Mike Dimery at
12:06 PM
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