Thursday, 16 July 2026

Dragons and Damsels - static ones!

21st June 2026 - as well as the restless Emperor Dragonfly (see previous post), Andy M also saw several other species of dragonfly and damselfly. Around the edges of the lakes, perched on the stone surrounds were several Black-tailed Skimmer (similar in colour to the Broad-bodied Chaser, but having a longer, more pointed abdomen and lacking the dark wing-bases).

In the reeds around the lake, there were Four-spotted Chaser, having two wing spots per wing, and Common Blue Damselfly, and Blue-tailed Damselfly (the latter having a basically dark abdomen with a blue tip, and on the lily pads were Red-eyed Damselfly (which unsurprisingly have red eyes!). 

Finally, over the other side of the site, along the river in which many reeds are growing at the moment, there were Banded Demoiselle - the males being metallic blue with a dark blue 'thumb-print' on the wing, and the females being metallic green. A few mating pairs were seen joining up in tandem there too.

Black-tailed Skimmer

Black-tailed Skimmer

Four-spotted Chaser

Four-spotted Chaser

Common Blue Damselfly, male

Blue-tailed Damselfly, male

Red-eyed Damselfly

Banded Demoiselle, male

Banded Demoiselle, male

Banded Demoiselle, female

Banded Demoiselle, mating pair

Banded Demoiselle, mating pair
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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)