Broad- bodied Chasers

A look around Corton Sewage works on Saturday 21st May afternoon was relatively birdless despite the bright but windy weather, however the walk was enlivened by several showy Broad- bodied Chaser dragonflies, which posed beautifully for the camera. Firstly, a female Orange Tip and then a male Orange Tip butterfly were seen around the board walk. A female Broad- bodied Chaser by the boardwalk who kept returning to the same perches on brambles and a bush where I was eventually able to get really close and finally get some good shots of this species of Dragonfly. Secondly, by the sewage sludge pool, after I left a dog walker had let her dog wallow in the filth! Not only inconsiderate to the local wildlife (a trend I am witnessing more of especially at Fisher Row) but also to the health of her "beloved" dog. I returned some twenty minutes later and by the side of the pool another female Broad- bodied Chaser was oviposting on the water, a Red- eyed Damselfly and variable Damselfly also seen. 2 male Broad- bodied Chasers clashed and chased each other over the water and 1 male was eventually very obliging. Earlier I had stuck some sticks in the water by the edge hoping to provide perches and the male conveniently repeatedly perched on one of these and the bush by the edge of the water.

Some 3 Speckled wood butterflies were seen by the copse and another male Orange Tip on the return path bordering the road.

The only birds noted were singing Wren and Chiff- Chaff.