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Shropshire Dragonfly Watch BlogKeeping an eye on the dragonflies flying in Shropshire

Common Darter male

The purpose of this blog is to keep dragonfly enthusiasts up to date with dragonfly activity throughout the season. This way we should all know first hand what’s on the wing in Shropshire.

 

All are very welcome to be part of this seasonal diary. Get in touch via the  contact form with sightings and photographs so I can post them on the blog. Even if you’re new to dragonflies and not sure what you have photographed please send it in and get involved in the 2025 Shropshire Dragonfly Watch.

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Cooler temperatures slowing things down?

I had thought there would be a flurry of activity over this weekend but I think the cooler temperatures have really held things back a little and I still have no dragonflies emerging from my…
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May 5, 2025
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Large Reds just emerging on higher ground

Paul Thomas has sent in some lovely photos of Large Red Damselflies on Brown Clee Hill where the higher altitude means things are only just getting underway. The photo (left) shows the exuviae beneath the…
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May 2, 2025
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3 more species on the wing!

It's going to be a busy week! Yesterday Tim Walter sent in the first records for  Blue-tailed Damselfly (left) and Azure Damselfly (below left) both seen at Pam's Pools near Bridgnorth. Beautiful Demoiselle was also…
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April 29, 2025
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Broad-bodied Chaser on the wing…

Hopefully I'll post the evidence of Broad-bodied Chaser shortly -seen in Minsterly on 27th April which is the second earliest sighting ever of this species in Shropshire! In the meantime Stephen Barlow has photographed 1…
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April 28, 2025
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Signs of life on Whixall Moss…

Stephen Barlow has sent in the first records this year of White-faced Darters and an 'in-flight' Four-spotted Chaser at Whixall Moss. He photographed this emergent White-faced Darter (left) and one other low down in the…
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April 25, 2025
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Very early Common Blue Damselfly…

As temperatures dropped and rain fell the dragonfly season it seems was put largely on hold until yesterday when a flurry of Large Red Damselfly records came in and this photograph taken by Tim Walter…
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April 23, 2025
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Flight season starts with a record!

I was fairly sure the minute I left Shropshire for a holiday the flight season would start! On 5th April Stephen Barlow recorded this Large Red Damselfly (left) at Whixall Moss. This is a Shropshire…
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April 14, 2025
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Sunshine in the forecast…

Still only 31st March, but sitting with a glass of wine in the garden yesterday things felt very summery! As this fair weather spell continues keep your eyes open for the first Large Red Damselflies…
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March 31, 2025
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Still on the wing…

Stephen Barlow has sent in this fairly well camouflaged female Common Darter seen basking at Whixall Moss on October 26th. Stephen reported 'moderate numbers' of dragonflies still being present including Black Darters (below left) and…
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November 4, 2024
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A flutter of activity…

It seems Monday 7th October brought a flurry of later records. Common Darters and Migrant  Hawkers were seen at Dudmaston and Colemere and some of our acidic pool specialists were spotted elsewhere; Stephen Barlow photographed…
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October 9, 2024
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Between the downpours…

It's raining again and hard to see how our dragonflies will persist for long if autumn continues like this! In between showers Julian Cartwright saw good numbers of Black Darter (left) on Magpie Hill near…
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September 26, 2024
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Beautiful Black Darter…

Geoff Hall has sent in these beautiful photos of Black Darter taken at Pole Cottage on the Long Mynd. This acidic pool specialist is the smallest dragonfly species in the uk as well as being…
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August 28, 2024
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Black Darter back at Dolgoch Quarry…

For the second time this year Black Darter has been recorded in what were thought to be 'one-off' 2023 locations; firstly at Prees Heath and now Stephen Kill has sent in this photo of a…
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August 21, 2024
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It’s behind you…

Jan Shields has been enjoying the Keeled Skimmers at Cramer Gutter and sent in this amazing photo of a Common Lizard lurking behind a male...and incredibly not eating it! I often find you can get…
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August 19, 2024
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Small Red-eyed Damselflies on the wing…

Geoff Hall has sent in these great photos of Small Red-eyed Damselflies at their regular location of Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms. They are probably present in many more locations than have been…
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August 8, 2024
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Black Darters at Prees Heath…

Chris Shaw has sent in these photos of a female Black Darter - one of several individuals seen at Prees Higher Heath just southeast of the southern car park. Black Darter was also recorded here…
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August 2, 2024
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The heat is on…

...and many of you are sending in some great records and photos thank you! Paul Thomas has sent in this truly stunning photo of a Common Darter seen at pools near Cleestanton along with the…
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July 31, 2024
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Only a Common Darter….

Only a Common Darter, but so beautifully photographed by Geoff Hall near Wistanstow that I had to post it! This close up gives us a really good view of the frons area- you can see…
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July 25, 2024
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Emerging Southern Hawkers…

Just a hint of summer has prompted more emergence. Jan Shields photographed this very fresh teneral male by her pond and also captured the comparison below of the adult head next to the exuvia. Fascinating…
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July 22, 2024

Species recorded in 2025…

Large Red Damselfly

5th April

Common Blue Damselfly

22nd April

White-faced Darter

24th April

Four-spotted Chaser

24th April

Broad-bodied Chaser

27th April

Azure Damselfly

28th April

Blue-tailed Damselfly

28th April

Beautiful Demoiselle

28th April

Common Clubtail

5th May

Banded Demoiselle

6th May

Red-eyed Damselfly

16th May

White-legged Damselfly

16th May

Emperor Dragonfly

16th May

Black-tailed Skimmer

19th May

Norfolk Hawker

21st May

Variable Damselfly

21st May

Golden-ringed Dragonfly

29th May

Emerald Damselfly

30th May

Downy Emerald Dragonfly

31st May

Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly

4th June

Common Darter

6th June

Black Darter

11th June

Common Hawker

13th June

Ruddy Darter

14th June

Keeled Skimmer

14th June

Brown Hawker

15th June

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