A bit of a mixture

A couple of hours at Gosforth Park NR the other evening brought a bit of variety.
After trying to get a photo of this Damselfly on a reed stem without success, it landed on the back of my hand and loitered for more than a minute.



I had been expecting to see good numbers of these by the reed edges but the highest concentrations are in those areas where there are good numbers of flying insects such as the pathway along the South edge of the reserve. Suppose it makes sense. I had been hoping for a Dragonfly sighting but no luck.
However this Sedge Warbler gave a good rendition all of the time I was there



This Tenthredo was just finishing off a meal.



and in the south West corner of the reserve was a patch of vegetation with about fifty of these aptly named Red and Black Froghopper. They are about 1cm long.

Field Guides

I'm sure most of you will be aware of the excellent field identification guides produced by the Field Studies Council @ www.field-studies-council.org. I have recently added to my library and when the average price is £3.50 and the delivery time two days, (although they quote 7-10 days), they represent good value.

If you are not familiar with them, have a look.

Days like this!

Mum told me about days like this - wet,windy,cold and lonely.



But she never mentioned this!



Despite a brave stand off and a few pecks on the head the young Starling managed a few crumbs before deciding on discretion

Fungi

This first image is of Toothed Cup - Tarzetta cupularis
It appeared as a part of a cluster of about a dozen and this being the largest at about 2 centimeters diameter



Deer Shield - Pluteus cervinus with a 15cm diameter cap.


Both were spotted in Gosforth Park NR this afternoon

Alnmouth

We had a visit to Alnmouth this morning and it was absolutely sparkling.
Amongst the seaside scrub and bushes were Goldfinch, Linnet, Whitethroat and this resting Stonechat.





I was a bit surprised to see a Meadow Pipit amongst the dunes



I could not quite make my mind up whether or not this is a White Wagtail,





and this Wall Brown rested along the path.

Damselfly progress

I was wanting to get a handle on just how early the different Damselfly species appear. So this morning went to Shibdon Pond but saw only a Small Red. This afternoon had a quick walk up Prestwick Carr bridleway where only a Large Red was spotted in a couple of places. Then over to Big Waters where there were many Common Blue and the odd Large Red. Finally Gosforth Park NR where there are large numbers of Common Blue and Blue Tail, and at this location, egg laying was going on at a pace.

Damsels at Gosforth Park NR

Yesterday's sun meant an explosion of Damselfly at Gosforth Park NR. However I was unable to spot any reds but they might appear with the forecast for higher temperatures and more sun.

Common Blue- Enallagma cyathigerum


and with immature female


Azure - Coenagrion puella - newly emerged female