SOUTHERN MIGRANT HAWKER-OTMOOR RSPB

Over the past two years, I have visited various sites across the British Isles in pursuit of different Odonata species. Recently, a social media post caught my eye reporting sightings of Southern Migrant Hawkers (Aeshna affinis) at Otmoor RSPB, Oxfordshire. Observers had noted a few teneral females and two striking blue males over the past few days. Having never seen this species before—and with Otmoor just half an hour from where I am staying—it offered a convenient alternative to a longer journey to Kent, the traditional stronghold for this dragonfly in Britain.

The first breeding colonies of Southern Migrant Hawkers were established along the Thames Estuary, though the species is now spreading across southern England and has even been recorded in Wales. Before the 21st century, only a single individual had been confirmed in Britain, in Kent in 1952. Sporadic records followed in 2006, but it was the 2010 influx that marked the first confirmed breeding in England.

Today, I visited Otmoor for the first time. After several hours of searching without success, I was fortunate to meet another dragonfly enthusiast who was also hoping to find this species. We exchanged phone numbers to stay in touch, in case one of us located a Southern Migrant Hawker.

While exploring the reserve, I was delighted to encounter the long-staying Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) and several other notable birds, which added to the enjoyment of the visit.

Cattle egrets were in good numbers on the reserve.

Common Tern

Glossy Ibis

Although the reserve held a good variety of dragonflies, I had no luck locating the Southern Migrant Hawker and began making my way back to the car.

Emperor Dragonfly

Ruddy Darter

Common Blue Damselfly

Brown Hawker

Banded Demoiselle

Southern Hawker

Black-tailed Skimmer

As I walked back to the car, I spotted Jed—the fellow dragonfly enthusiast I had met earlier—walking ahead of me. Suddenly, he turned, spotted me, and began waving excitedly. As I drew closer, I realised why: he had found a Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) roosting on a bush. Absolutely unbelievable.

Southern Migrant Hawker 

I could hardly believe it. The male sat calmly in the evening sun, allowing us to take several photographs before it eventually flew off—truly a remarkable sight.

The Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) was once an exceptionally rare migrant from the Mediterranean, but over the past two decades it has become increasingly common and is now breeding in southern England. The males are strikingly blue, with bright blue eyes, yellowish-green sides to the thorax, and a black abdomen adorned with extensive blue markings, including a distinctive triangular blue patch at the top.

This was a fantastic addition to my life list, leaving only one more Odonata species—the Irish Damselfly—remaining. Next year, I plan to travel to Ireland to complete my British Odonata list.

It was a wonderful end to the day, and the Muntjac seemed completely unconcerned as it casually led us back toward our cars.