Savill Garden

Even though we have seen butterflies over the last month and a half (including a few clouded yellows and quite a lot of red admirals), we haven't actually gone out specifically to look for butterflies or dragonflies since we went to Old Winchester Hill early September. 

But when we were invited to Savill Garden to celebrate the 80th birthday of a dear friend today, the beautiful weather called for a stroll around the garden. Hoping we would still see a butterfly or two, but surely the last official butterdamseldragon trip of 2023. 

A few red admirals were still nectaring on the Verbena and some late-flowering Buddleia. 

Approaching the stream that runs through the garden, it was clear the common darters were out in force, with plenty of pairs in cop or ovipositing.

One male landed on a bench, and, when I very slowly pushed my finger towards him, he stepped on to my finger and then crawled further on my hand.

Flew off a few times, but kept returning; I think I made a friend!

We also saw a single male migrant hawker hawking over the water. 

So, with the final tables of 2023 (one = 1; few = 2-4; several = 5-9; many = 10+), I officially call our 2023 butterdamseldragonflying season closed.