Brown Hawkers

Today started with a visit to Tilletts Fields in a search for a Brown Hairstreak, we searched diligently in perfect conditions, alas not a sniff, However we did have Silver-washed Fritillary, a nice but worn female, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue and the usual browns.

We departed for Lords Piece, hoping to catch up with some dragonflies. As our route took us near to Billingshurst we decided to take a detour via New Bridge on the A272 between Billingshurst and Wisborough Green. This is a noted site for dragons, giving you a choice between the River Arun and the Wey and Arun Canal which run alongside each other.

As soon as we climbed over the stile we could see Banded Demoiselles on the river, just a few but as the sun came out they were numerous. We decided that some of them should be captured so we spent some time chasing both males and females along the bank. Several Brown Hawkers were about and finally we were visited briefly by a coupled pair. I think this is the first time I have actually got a shot of a Brown Hawker that was stationary and in focus.

Martin found another dragonfly perched up in a Hawthorn tree, as we couldn't get close we were not sure of ID but it looked suspiciously like a Migrant Hawker.

 

Finally we left for Lords Piece where, as we parked, we could see plenty of active dragonflies hawking up and down the pond. We found Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser, Common Darter and several Emperors.