3
sightings were of territorial males, and also included an ovipositing female, confirming
the marsh as a new breeding site for the species. In 1995, B. pratense was observed at
several locations on the reserve (TL9513, TL9612, TL9512, TL9612, TL9812, and
TL9911), from as early as May 1st through to June 21st, when Ian Hawkins and myself
counted 9 individuals, and I was able to photograph a pair mating. The species has also
been reported from the nearby Tollesbury Wick nature reserve of the Essex Wildlife Trust
(TL9709) by B. Watts, who noted 7 specimens in 1994, and 1 in 1995. As yet it seems
unclear whether pratense is established as abreeding species at this site. Also, S. Dewick
reports the presence of pratense in both 1994 and 1995 at the Bradwell site. Meanwhile,
J Hurley reports seeing at least 2 males of the species behaving territorially along the
Cornmill Stream, in the West of the county on the 26th May 1995, and another on the 8th
of May at a site near Bushy Hill. B.D.S. president, Andrew McGeeney confirms that the
species has been observed at several sites in the Lea valley, and is probably re-established
there as a breeding species. This encouraging picture is added to by other as yet
unconfirmed reports from the Southend area and the Chelmer/Blackwater. The evidence
is that following a long period of decline since the 1940s, the Hairy Dragonfly has
regained something close to its former distribution in Essex, and may be even extending
its range beyond its previous strongholds.
Other good news is evidence of some increase in the local damselflies P. pennipes and E.
najas. Both have strong colonies on the River Stour, on the boundary with Suffolk, and
the latter was noticed on the River Colne in Colchester for the first time this year.
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to I. Hawkins, G. Pyman, S. Dewick, J. Firmin, D. Bridges and EWT, N. Cuming,
B. Watts, J.M. Hurley, and A. McGeeney for sending records.
References:
E. Benton The Dragonflies of Essex EFC 1988
J. Silsby 'The 1995 Darter Invasion' BDS Newsletter 28 Autumn 1995, pp.11-13
J. Silsby 'Wildlife Reports: Dragonflies' British Wildlife 7:1 Oct. 1995, pp.48-50
Ted Benton
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