Broad-bodied Chaser

A quick visit to Gosforth  Park Nature Reserve today came up trumps with my first ever Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa). Now, this is a relatively common species, doubtless familiar to many of you, but as someone only just beginning their journey into the frustrating, complicated but altogether fun realm of dragonflies, this individual gave cause for quite a bit of excitement. Abundant, yes, but beautiful – boasting a superb, smoky blue colouration to its abdomen and whilst posed conveniently on a stick, providing uncharacteristically good views. I even managed some half-decent photos…