Following on from being told the Golden Ringed Dragonfly records from earlier this year and the one in 2018 were the first for Buckinghamshire we decided to check again and see if we could find them again and check suitable inbreed habitat. After checking the usual ponds we went to the main flowing water source through the park which feeds the main lake, and as soon as we walked a few few along found two Golden Ringed, male and female, and on a number of occasions the female was seen ovipositing in the stream. We later came across a third by a long wet ditch in the heath area. There was still a good emergence of Darters ongoing.
Black-tailed Skimmer
Ruddy Darter
Emerald Damselfly
Common Darter
Broad-bodied Chaser
Golden Ringed Dragonfly
Butterflies mainly consisted of the usual common species, with only five Silver-washed Fritillaries seen and no White Admirals, and alas on Purple Emperors which are scarce here in any event. Purple Hairstreaks were seen on a few oaks in small numbers.
Specked Wood
Green-veined White
Purple Hairstreak
A check of Stoke Common again for any Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies proved negative and in the heat the flooded area of heath were virtually dried up and a lot of mosquitoes in the remaining damp areas. Willow Emeralds emergence had slowed with very few seen, and like Black Park, a few Darters were still emerging.
Willow Emerald
Ruddy Darters
