Four Spotted Chaser.

During a visit to Thursley Common N.N.R. last week I came across this fairly confiding immature male  Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) well away from any water on the edge of a wood next to the heath.

Later on around the acidic pools, their typical habitat, I watched several males aggressively chasing one another in territorial flight and managed to capture one taking a very brief rest.

I saw several other species of Damselfly so I will definitely be revisiting in the near future. FAB.

Farlington Marshes - Winter Birding.

Earlier this year I made three visits to Farlington Marshes, one of my favourite sites on the south coast, to enjoy the spectacle of winter birding.

 

One of the main attractions being the thousands of Dark-bellied Brent Geese that migrate southwards from their arctic breeding grounds in late September to spend the winter months in and around Langstone Harbour.

The reserve and surrounding harbour attracts large numbers of waders, including Dunlin, Knot, Grey Plover and Oystercatchers (above) plus Ringed Plover, Turnstone and Black-tailed Godwit (below) in their drab grey winter plumage.

Wildfowl increase through the winter months with particularly high numbers of Teal and Northern Pintail (above) plus Shelduck (below).

During these winter visits I have logged 64 species including Avocet, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Water Rail, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl, Bearded Reedling and one of several Spoonbill (below) that irregularly visit this site.

I will be revisiting this area throughout the year and hope to share the diversity of species that can be seen here.  FAB.

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