Lanes around the area had my first English red admirals of the year (3), small tortoiseshell, comma and a few each of small and large white (which are almost non-existent in my area, Stockport). Odonata were represented by an 'on-it's last legs' tatty, male broad-bodied chaser - perhaps the year's last. On the section of water next to the canal there were two brown hawkers and an emperor, whilst four red-eyed damselflies were on a small patch of lillies on the canal adjacent to Lightshaw meadows. Did not take the right track for the western viewing screen, but it all looked pretty dry around the Flashes/meadows as you would expect.
Yesterday I had a 'non birdy' day and went out looking for insects (well, Lepidoptera and Odonata) given the weather was particularly good. I started at Glovers Pool in the northern bit of the complex and worked my way down to finish at the southern most viewing screen at Lightshaw in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Beautiful Demoiselles reported by Mike. I didn't see the latter but had a great few hours seeing: Blue -tailed Skimmer, Four Spotted Chaser, Emperor Dragonfly, Brown Hawker Dragonfly, Southern Hawker Dragonfly, Azure Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Red Admiral, Comma, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Small White and Small Skipper.
I was very surprised to find that every 'blue' Damselfly I looked at was Azure as opposed to Common Blue. I thought at one point I had found a Variable Damselfly but it wasn't unfortunately. I was also a bit surprised not to see any Large Red Damselflies.
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No one on their death bed ever said they wished they'd spent more time at work. http://bitsnbirds.blogspot.co.uk
Red Admiral, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies, several Beautiful Demoiselles and at least one Leaf-cutter Bee (with cut leaves) around the western viewing screen this afternoon. The last spotted by Mr. Tymon.
Young dog fox hunting for voles in long grass, watched him for 20 mins from approx 50 metres away,looked in good condition with winter coat,although he did seem to have a slight limp.
Lots of Meadow Browns on the wing today 2-3 Gatekeepers 1 Peacock 1 Small Copper Several Large Whites 1 Speckled Wood 1 7 Spot Ladybird At least two species of dragonfly
