11th July 2009 – Dragons re-visited….

The Craigster arrived at mine at a very lethargic 0900hrs and we made our way to the superb White-faced Darter site. Despite the weather forecast it was looking like a warm sunny day – Ideal for insects!

On the walk to the boggy pools we noted a few Large Heath butterflies, Common Hawker and the first of many White-faced Darters. Once we arrived at the first decent pool I decided to try my hand at photographing Common Hawkers in flight…….with mixed results!

After a bit of time I located a relatively confiding male White-faced Darter which allowed me some more photographic opportunities.

White-faced Darters are really superb insects, certainly up there in my to ten! Whilst trying to photograph more dragonflies I noticed a rather large hoverfly species laying eggs in the pool. After a bit of research I discovered it was the species Helophilus trivittatus.

The Craigster located an unusually confiding Large Heath which allowed both of us to photograph this scarce species.

After a failed attempt to see Banded Demoiselle on the river Eden we made our way to a site on the Waver near Wigton. Here we had incredible views of good numbers of this superbly enigmatic species.

Next we made our way to the site in the North Lakes to see Keeled Skimmer. On arrival we did not have to wait long before we saw Golden-ringed Dragonfly and Keeled Skimmer. Both species were present in good numbers.

We finished the day off at the Hammarbya paludosa (Bog Orchid) site where we counted a minimum of eight spikes. This is the largest count I have had at here!

It had been another successful and enjoyable days wildlife-ing!