Blue-tailed Damselflies are very scarce in Penwortham these days

[Colin Adams]

Today, at the invitation of the owner, I took a look at the ponds of Howick Hall Farm. I saw the same three species (Mostly Azures, a few Broad-bodied Chasers) that I saw earlier in the day at Priory Meadow, but in each case more at HHF (unsurprising, since the later site had 6 ponds, of which I recorded odanates on 4).

Today's haul included three Blue-tailed Damselflies. That more than doubles the number I have seen in Penwortham this year. Two years ago, they were quite common at Priory Meadow. The last few years they have been getting very rare at Hurst Grange Park (there used to be reasonable numbers of them, as I recall). Hm. Maybe I should rename them Scare Blue-tailed Damselfly :-)

[Phil Smith]

Colin,

         First male Emperor of the summer at Birkdale Green Beach today.  Also several teneral Common Darters, plus lots of Blue-tailed Damsels, Azure Damsels and Four-spot Chasers.

 

Phil.

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[Colin Adams]

I've not seen any Emperors yet.

And that's another species that scarce in Penwortham this year - Four-spotted Chaser. I had just one so far in Hurst Grange Park (an ovipoisiting female a week ago). And a female at the end of may in Priory Meadow (a first for the site).

I suppose it's just the weather. But I saw plenty of them at Hawes Water at the end of May, and in the Lakes on Bank-holiday Monday.