Arlington Reservoir

A super day out at Arlington Reservoir, thanks to Martin who picked me up at 1100. The targets were Osprey and Turtle Dove, both of which are regularly sighted here, only not today. However, we spent several hours making a complete circuit of the lake. Again I eschewed the large lens and started off on a macro. First up was a Common Spotted Orchid, located just off the main pathway. A slight detour took us into the extensive patch of nettles, which seemed to be alive with insects of many kinds. Damsel flies, Cardinal Beetles, miniature Bush Crickets and a Scorpion Fly along with other exotic looking subjects which offered superb macro material. 

 Longhorn Moth (Nemophora degeerella)

 

Cardinal Beetle

Cardinal Beetle

 

 

Scorpion Fly - Panorpa communis

 Just after the hide I managed to find a single female Banded Demoiselle, which turned out to be a little camera shy. The walk across the dam revealed little in the way of birds, just a few Pied Wagtails, a couple of Swallows and a flushed Green Woodpecker.

Banded Demoiselle (f)

 The west end of the dam gave more Common Spotteds, but the return to the car park gave little, except some good views of a gorgeous Beautiful Demoiselle, a male that was somewhat flighty and difficult to capture.

Back at the car park it was time for a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea, during this interval we were entertained by a Mistle Thrush busily collecting worms and insects from the greensward to feed a vociferous family located just in the trees. A commotion created by an intrusive Jay being driven off by both thrush parents was the only disturbance throughout the lunch break.

A quick trip to the river where we were surprised to find both Beautiful and Banded Demoiselles dancing in the afternoon  sunlight, occasionally perching on the Himalayan Balsam at the water's edge.

Banded Demoiselle (m)

Beautiful Demoiselle (m)

 

Beautiful Demoiselle (f)

Beautiful Demoiselle (m)

Thanks Martin, it is really good to be back out again - perhaps another time for the Osprey.