| I have recorded the first eight species below in the Goyt Valley. The least commonly seen is the Common Hawker or Moorland Hawker as I call it (ironically). We do have the exceptional Golden-ringed Dragonfly, the largest UK Dragonfly nearby at Buxton, but that only oviposits in fresh water. That said, I have seen them hunting for food on-the-wing over nearby ponds.
It is entirely possible the Golden-ringed Daragonfly is in the Goyt Valley but whereas the other Dragonflies stay close to ponds (mostly the males), the Golden-ringed could inhabit any part of a miles-long stream, especially where there is a still area of water. Still yet fresh. The trick is to sit high above any stretch of water, pond or stream, and wait a while for signs of movement in the air. I have also recorded the Ruddy Darter nearby at Buxton and the Migrant Hawker is a late season species I have rarely seen anywhere.
As someone said, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. I am surprised I have not seen the widespread spectacular Brown Hawker in the Goyt Valley but they do not socialise or inhabit ponds in the way that other species do. I have recorded it everywhere around the Goyt Valley. Again I have not spent as much time on the subject of Dragonflies in the Goyt as I ought to. In season I tend to focus on the most productive sites. Entries in italicised typeface include video. |
