Natural History

Dazzling Dragonflies of Thursley!

Male Golden-Ringed Dragonfly, on Gorse
Downy Emerald Dragonfly over Moat Pond, Thursley Common
Black-tailed skimmer in a bog pool
Large Red Damselflies in cop over a bog stream, a pleasant corner on a hot day. The female is immature, with brighter colours than older females of this species.
The female Large Red Damselfly has a black line along the top of her abdomen.
Keeled Skimmer – these little guys were whizzing about like crazy!

Also seen: one Emperor over the Moat Pond; Common Darters; Southern Hawker; Common Blue Damselfly.

Four-Spotted Chaser, on a fine lookout

There were few birds about, but they were good: the only pair of Curlews nesting in Hampshire, both seen, and both heard, flying from their nestplace over the bog, calling continuously (and evocatively) and landing separately; Dartford Warbler, a terrific view, the long tail cocked, and hopping about on a tuft of dry grass; Stonechat; Skylark; Buzzard. On the main lake, just Mallard, Coot, Tufted Duck; on the Moat Pond, Moorhen.