It seems an age ago but the picture window at Falcon Cottage was only put in during March. In April we dug the pond in front of it. Almost immediately, the same day it was filled in fact, it was found by Pond Skaters – how does a small insect like that know the pond is there?
At the beginning of July we had our first Dragonfly; a Broad Bodied Chaser. All fresh and new and golden; a beautiful female. She disappeared and was replaced by a male two days later who held territory. Last week he was in company with Black tailed Skimmers and Azure Damselflies all egg laying amid the new water plants and not to be outdone his mate returned and they coupled in the air and she too started to egg lay.
This is just one small pond amid a desert of cereal fields – how do they find such an isolated habitat? How does something as seemingly insignificant and crude as an insect find its habitat? The light reflected from water is polarised maybe the insects can see polarised light from a distance in a different way? I guess we’ll never know for sure … it’s just another of Mother Nature’s wonders.
Falcon Cottage way back in April
Falcon Cottage in July
The Picture window and developing pond
The first tenants – Pond Skaters
The female Broad bodied Chaser – but how did she find the pond?
… and the male two days later
… and when he found his mate
Letter From Norfolk 
Wow! I’m envious. What a great thing to have on your doorstep.
Malcolm
Thanks Malcolm. Yes it took a little work to get there but it is great to have it just outside. Even the smallest of ponds will attract wildlife so I was pleased to be able to put in a reasonable sized patch of water. All seems to be going well so far.
Superb Carl. You will attract all sorts here. The new Denmark House? I am hoping to start ringing soon with the BTO. Will be interesting to see what passes thru your garden pal. ATB john
Sent from my iPad
Thanks John and good to hear from you. Since moving in three years ago we have a bird list of 92 species – not large by some standards but it does have five species of owl on it and such delights as Firecrest, Quail, Black Redstart, Honey Buzzard, Red Kite and White tailed Eagle. Having a good group of sycamores with a thicket understory at the top of the garden we’ve named the area Radde’s Ridge in hopeful anticipation!