Scorchio

The hunt for the Temminck's Stint at Derwent Reservoir this morning took longer than expected. Unfortunately with the low water, its favoured haunt for the last two summers at Cronkley is now a grass field, a long way from the water's edge. No sign here, just a few Ringed and Little Ringed Plover, plus a couple of Common Sandpiper. An hour in the hide eventually produced the goods when I picked up the bird in flight and it landed on the large area of exposed mud at the southern end. Pretty active for a Temminck's Stint, all others I've had have crept around low to the ground while this was behaving more like a Common Sandpiper. It will be interesting to see what the reservoir looks like after a couple of weeks of hot weather, as the water level is already about 15 feet below normal.

Some excellent views of 2 male Redstart near the hide, plus a game of hide and seek with a couple of Stoat, one of which climbed 15 feet up a birch.

Redstart

Stoat

After a second breakfast a trip back over the A68 quickly produced the target, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. 10-15 were flitting around, in and out of the sedge, but it took a while for one to settle on a thistle for photos. Also here was a Tree Pipit.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

A trip up to Winnows Hill was perhaps a bit early for Golden-ringed Dragonfly with just lots of Common Blue and Large Red Damsels.

Common Blue Damsel

Large Red Damsel

A late afternoon trip to Kibblesworth Brick Works gave loads of dragons. With the hot weather they were racing around the pond with 50+ Four-spotted Chaser and 3 Broad-bodied Chaser.

Four-spotted Chaser