Chasing Scotland’s “Big Three” Odonata Day 1

Scotland’s peatlands hold secrets, and for the intrepid naturalist, some of the country’s rarest dragonflies and damselflies are at the top of the wish list. Last year, I teamed up with Dan Pointon to try and see the nation’s “big three” odonata: the White-faced Darter, Azure Hawker, and Northern Emerald. Having already ticked the White-faced Darter, my mission was clear—track down a Northern damselfly.

Let the weekend begin!

En route, the weekend began with a minor twist of fate. Initially en route to see a long-staying Western Sandpiper in Ayrshire, news of a Bridled Tern at the Ythan Estuary in Aberdeenshire caught my eye. Add to that a Broad-billed Sandpiper from a few days prior, plus an Iberian Chiffchaff further south, and the trip plan quickly changed.

By early afternoon, I arrived at Tentsmuir in Fife, joining fellow birders in the hope of seeing the chiffchaff. Soon enough, the small songbird sang from the tops of the pine trees before revealing itself in full—a fleeting but memorable encounter.

Tentsmuir

Best shot I could get of the Iberian Chiffchaff

With the chiffchaff safely enjoyed, I set off north toward the Ythan Estuary. A couple of hours later, I met up with Dan and Owen Parsons, who had been working in Inverness. Initially, our hopes took a hit—the Bridled Tern had flown out to sea. But fortune favoured us: by the time I reached the shoreline overlooking the tern colony, the elegant seabird had returned, resting calmly on the sand. Its striking markings and graceful presence made it a truly memorable sight—only my second ever for Britain.

What a bird, and only my second for Britain

Further along the estuary, we tried for the Broad-billed Sandpiper, but despite our best efforts, time ran out, and the bird remained elusive. Fatigue was starting to set in, but our day was far from over.

Ever ready for a detour, Dan suggested a quick stop to try for a Northern damselfly. Within minutes of reaching a small, secluded peatland pool, we spotted one perched delicately on a reed.

The “spade” marking at the top of its abdomen was unmistakable—Northern Damselfly secured! Listed as Endangered on the British Odonata Red List (2008), this species is confined to the Scottish Highlands. With one of our three target odonata now on the list, the excitement of the trip was just beginning.

“Spades” symbol marking at the top of the abdomen

Our base for the weekend was Boat of Garten in the Cairngorms, where Phil Jones—affectionately known as Mr Stoke-On-Trent—had already arranged dinner for us. After a hearty meal, we set up moth traps for the night, eager to see what nocturnal species might appear.

As the evening drew in, the combination of birds, dragonflies, and the quiet anticipation of moth-trapping made it clear: this was a weekend to remember.

Dan and Phil, setting up the traps