In between the threatening clouds on Saturday I was checking a privately owned site near Shrewsbury and saw 2 male Downy Emerald Dragonflies. I did my best to get a photo, but even with my attempts you can see the distinctive shape of the abdomen and the eyes which really shine out in the gloom – green tinged with orange! They seem to continue flying and holding territory even when the clouds covered the sun which was a bonus. They are a lovely insect to see and have been spotted at Mousecroft pool in recent years so keep an eye out if there.
Elsewhere the first unconfirmed sighting of Emerald Damselfly has come in on 30th May – if confirmed another early record…
