Parc Cwm Darran 25/06/2026

 A hot sunny day I spent a couple of hours around the Dragonfly pools at the top end of the Park and there were plenty of Dragons about. The first pool was being patrolled by a male Emperor and a Broad-bodied Chaser with some Azure Damsels in the margin. Also on the reeds were a lot of  Exuviae.

On the way down to the next pool I found a female Broad-bodied Chaser resting.

At the main Dragonfly pools there were plenty about with Emperor, B-B Chaser, Four-spotted Chaser, Azure, Blue-tailed and Large Red. 

Walking back to the visiting centre I found a Golden-ringed Dragon in a hedge.

Then in a small pool near the centre there was another Emperor and Broad-bodied Chaser.

Only thing was due to the hot weather the cafe had closed early so I could not cap the day off with a nice cup of coffee.

Kenfig NNR 20/06/2026

 My first visit to Kenfig since Covid and surprise we now have to pay to park but a good thing there is now a food and drinks cabin on site. On the path to the pool there were a lot of Damsels mainly Common Blue and Azure.

I took the path along the right side of the pool and along with all the Damsels there was a good number of Black-tailed Skimmers with some mating.

Also along this path were a lot of Darters,at first I thought Common Darters but on close inspection they turned out to be Red-veined Darters and Ruddy Darters.

At the top end of the pool there were a few hawkers hunting over the water but no pics available.

Away from the water I found some female Blue-tailed Damsels different forms,

rufescens.

infuscans.

Just as I was leaving the pool area I found more Black-tailed Skimmers and Red-veined Darters plus an Emperor.

It was a very hot sunny day so next time I think I will come back when it's a bit cooler.

Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs

  A few hours around these reservoirs purposely looking for Dragons and there was a lot of Damsels in the vegetation around the water and footpaths, mainly Common blues with a few Azures.

 

As the sun came out so did some Black-tailed Skimmers with five males patrolling along the waters edge and two females, one pair coming together and mating. Now and again a male would land on the footpath but kept on being push along by the joggers.

There is a great looking pool near the grounds of the Llanishen reservoir but fenced off and "No Public Access" which is a pity because it could be good for Dragons.

Penallta Park 14/06/2026

 My second visit to the park and a lot more on the wing, I did not do my usual route  so did not take in the fishing ponds and wet meadow. There were a lot of Damsels on show, Blue-tailed, Azure and Large Red. Mainly all males.

On one of the pools there were three Broad-bodied Chasers (two males, one female) both males fighting over the female.

And near by what I believe to be an immature male Black-tailed Skimmer.

Will more than likely make another visit in the coming weeks.

Park Slip - 30/05/2026

 Park Slip has not changed, a lot of the ponds are still overgrown so not a lot of clear water for the Dragons. Even the ponds around the visiting center are overgrown. I did find a male Broad-bodied Chaser on the small pool near the bird hide overlooking the lake where there was plenty of Dragons hunting.

Also Azure Damsels and what I believe to be an early Common Darter.

Further around the reserve I found a few Four-spotted Chasers in the hedgerows and field margins and a single Large Red Damsel.

This will be my only visit of the year to Park Slip.

Cyfarthfa Castle - 29/05/2026

 I visited the holding ponds at the back of the castle spending a couple of hours walking around the four pools. There were a lot of Damsels about on the lily pads and in the bank-side vegetation, Common Blue, Large Red, Blue-tailed and Azure.

I did not see any Dragons in all the time I was there.

For info:- The cafe in the Castle worth a visit :-)