After a couple of weekends of meets, I decided that this weekend I would take a long walk to stretch the old bones. I decided to go to Broaks wood, a Forestry Commission wood not far from me. I’ve not been here since the winter and I was keen to see what was about.
I was delighted to see that there were no cars in the car park. Great, I thought, no one about. They were probably at the Supermarket or queuing at the petrol pumps. My intention to walk at pace around the two miles of trails failed at the first hurdle – or rather the first pond. The sun came out to provide a brilliant warmth and as it did, so did the dragonflies and damselflies. I sat for a good 30 minutes trying to photograph and just enjoy these amazing creatures.
I managed to capture Four-spotted chasers, [edit] Azure damselflies and Small red damselflies, although there were also Broad-bodied chasers.
As the sun went in, so did the dragonflies. They were obviously relying on the warmth of the sun to warm their bodies in order to carry out their incredible aerial battles, to mate and oviposit over and in the ponds.
I reluctantly carried on my trek but once again soon got side-tracked by a mutjac barking quite close. This took me off the trail and I caught a glimpse of a female through the trees. I would never be able to track closer because of the dried twigs, branches and dried leaves underfoot, so I contented myself with just watching her browse.
The trail took me through mixed, and ancient woodland. I photographed Herb robert, Common figwort, White and Red campion, Herb bennet and Common spotted orchids. Parasol mushrooms and Jew’s ear were in the damper parts of the trail.
After 4 hours, I felt as though I had had a reasonable workout as I had walked fast on the barren parts of the trail and slowed and often stopped on the interesting parts. There were still no cars in the car park when I had finished. I felt quite sorry for the people. Look what they’re missing.
Pablo.
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Outstanding Pablo……truly outstanding.
Hi Pablo, That Blue Damsel in your picture is an Azure Damselfly/ Look at the segment just below the wing joints and you’ll see a U shaped black mark on the upperside of the body…
Stewart, That took me a while but I can certainly see it now. Thanks. I’ll edit the post.
Pabllo.