A visit to Shropshire

The visit only covered two sites but resulted in sightings of 15 species. All photographs were taken 15-6-04 in Shropshire.

The first site was Cramer Gutter (SO 647793) near Cleobury Mortimer. The site comprises a mixture of heather, bracken and bogland with a small seepy stream running through it. This site is known for the large numbers of Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens) that breed here, and we were not disappointed. There were large numbers of teneral insects in the heather and when the sun shone there were many males on territory along the stream.

male Orthetrum coerulescens Photo © David Kitching 2004

female Orthetrum coerulescens Photo © David Kitching 2004

Part way down the slope in a clearing amongst the birch and alder we found several Golden-ringed Dragonflies feeding.

male Cordulegaster boltonii Photo © David Kitching 2004

Also seen on site were Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa), Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella) and Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula).

female Pyrrhosoma nymphula Photo © David Kitching 2004

Also visited was Berrington Pool (SJ524071) south of Shrewsbury. The abundance of Odonata at this site was wonderful to behold. Eleven species were flying. These were: Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator), Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata), Downy Emerald (Cordulia aenea), Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum), Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens), Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas), Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum), Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans), Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella), Variable Damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum) and White-legged Damselfly (Platycnemis Pennipes).

If you have made any Odonata observations in Cheshire and would like to share them with others or wish to take part in the recording scheme please email me.

A visit to Shropshire 15-6-2004