Roxton Balancing Pond

I found my first Broad-bodied Chaser of the year on Wednesday at my old stomping ground at Roxton, a small balancing pond off the A421. I've had some exciting times at this small unassuming pond. It was the first place I ever photographed Dragonflies, Damselflies, Lt Egrets, Herons and a host of different insects.

The highlight was a very close encounter with a Roe Deer that came within six feet of me, which I don't think will ever happen in my lifetime again.

The pictures are not the best in the world but looking back I'm surprised I got any pictures at all, this is one of the set and I include just to illustrate how close the deer was. The shadow falling on it's left side is mine. it was at this point the Deer finally realised I was standing on the same track it was heading down. It didn't bolt as you might expect but turned and slowly headed back from where it came from

This was in May 2010 and there are some pictures on my Flickr page which documents the brief but magical experience. You can see the full set here:

Anyway that aside here are my pictures of the Female Broad-bodied Chaser.

I did also see a Female Common Darter but it was not landing for ling and I had to leave to get to work! I am informed that sighting was a very early record for the area.