Mike's Natural Musings: Dragonflies and Butterflies Down the Coast at Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Reserve.

Monday, 12 August 2013

Dragonflies and Butterflies Down the Coast at Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Reserve.

As I drove down to Satlfleetby Nature reserve I again noticed that we are passing from high to late summer. The countryside has a blowsy look to it. Gone are the fresh greens of spring and early summer; all is dry and golden, dusty looking, gone over. Harvest is in full swing and the hedgerows are full of dry grasses and seed heads. The yellow flag irises on the reserve, such a picture earlier in the year are now replete with fat green seed pods. Many insects are looking tired with pieces missing from wings and worn scales giving a transparent look. It was cloudy to begin but, later, the sun emerged and the breeze strengthened during the day. I enjoyed wandering through the reserve, feasting on the ripe black dewberries, tart but full of flavour. I was delighted, when I first turned up, to find an emperor dragonfly perched up in the rushes by the lake, waiting for the sun to shine again. It was incredibly cooperative and allowed all the photographs I could wish for. I spotted a marsh harrier hunting the same area of reserve as the last time I visited and a little egret flew over, veering away when it saw me. I caught a glimpse of a solitary silent cuckoo but other than these sightings, bird life was quiet. Water mint, meadow-sweet and fleabane were all common as were various vetch species. I was delighted to find several specimens of marsh helleborine by the first pond.
As the day warmed up insects began to fly again. The emperor hunted over the lake and there were a few dark and worn four spotted chasers still about. The most common dragonflies by far were the darters, both ruddy and common. They were heavily involved in courtship and mating, many flying in tandem as they indulged in mid air copulation and then flew low over the water, skimming the surface as the female oviposited. On the butterfly front, gatekeepers were plentiful as were small skippers, peacocks and large whites. There were a few common blues and small coppers with the occasional wall brown and meadow brown. The walls were totally frustrating as I couldn't get near for any photography.

All too soon it was time to head home but as it was becoming increasingly windy, insect photography was over for the day. On the way I called in at Donna Nook to see how the project for breaching the sea wall was coming along. As far as I could see the breach had not been made yet but the new car park was in use. The idea is to breach the sea bank and flood an area of land behind, containing the waters with a new ban, just inland, as a flood relief scheme. It is hoped that the area will become a haven for wildlife and small chalk islands have been constructed to attract nesting waders and terns. I look forward to seeing it develop. The saltmarsh had come ablaze with sea lavender and looked wonderful.

Beer o'clock was pressing and it was time to head home.