Reddish Vale 8

Banded Denoiselle
Calopteryx splendens

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Wingspan approximately 60mms, It can be seen flying around May to the end of August It feeds off other insects, which are caught while flying. Found around slow flowing rivers, streams, canals and the mill ponds here at Reddish Vale. This is the largest of our damselflies and these are the firsts ones I've managed to capture with my camera... these are infact 3 different ones and are just 3 of many I saw on the morning I visited the Vale. Early morning is the best time to catch them sitting still, as soon as the sun gets up and warms them they are off.

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The males have these dark coloured patches on their wings. These are used in a fluttering dance to attract females. Their bodies are an iridescent blue/green colour.

The females do not have the tinted dark patches on their wings, and their bodies are an iridescent pale green colour. Alas I did not see one of them. The banks of the pond and river had plenty of males about but not a single female was about that I could see.

Grey Heron

The largest European heron. It can stand with neck stretched out, looking for food, or hunch down with its neck bent over its chest. In flight it holds its neck retracted and has large rounded wings. This looks like a youngster to me, it was very tatty looking...

I came across this story last week and thought others who read this blog might find this of interest. Heron Eating A Rabbit

A rare sighting of late on this blog... this is thee Green Backed, Yellow Brested, Blue Legged, Wifelet... other wise know as Jane.

We enjoyed a peaceful walk around the vale last week and took bread to feed the water fowl.. these ducks got the lions share. More from here again tomorrow, I hope you have enjoyed the views and wildlife.