Jen and I met our good friend Paul Brewster this morning at his local patch near Northwich. The day before, he had discovered several early Large Red damselflies—a species we had yet to encounter ourselves.
The site, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is renowned for its acidic wetlands and two mature schwingmoors. Almost immediately, we were treated to our first Green Hairstreak butterflies of the year, and by the time we left, we had counted them in double digits. A few day-flying moths, including Common Heaths, also flitted past, adding to the morning’s charm.
Green Hairstreak
Despite our excitement, our search for damselflies proved more challenging. Overcast skies and cooler temperatures meant the insects were elusive. Just as we were heading back to the car, luck intervened—a Large Red Damselfly flew across our path and landed nearby, giving us a perfect view.
My first sighting of a Large Red damselfly
Paul and I
It was a memorable first sighting for me, and a reminder of why exploring local patches with friends is so rewarding.
Later, Jen and I travelled to Morecambe in Lancashire, in pursuit of the Belted Beauty moth (Lycia zonaria britannica), a UK endemic subspecies. This site is the only remaining English stronghold of the species. Once found at two other sites in Caernarfonshire and Cheshire, the moth has become extinct there due to habitat loss from housing, golf courses, and coastal development. Thankfully, it continues to thrive in the Outer Hebrides, where conservation efforts and pristine landscapes have preserved the population, though in a different subspecies form.
Jenna starts the search.
Shortly after arriving, Jenna spotted a male Belted Beauty, a thrilling sight that marked the highlight of our visit. Though three more people joined the search, no additional sightings were made, and we were unable to locate a female, which is wingless and notoriously difficult to find.
As the weather worsened, with stronger winds and dropping temperatures, we decided to call it a day, satisfied with our single but remarkable encounter.
Another great day out, filled with butterflies, moths, and damselflies—adding a few more sightings to my ever-growing list.
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