This post details two trips to Penwortham in search of dragonflies

On the 19th we were on the way home from a jaunt to the wrong side of the Ribble, and popped in to Priory Meadow, but it was too cold and cloudy for them (as has largely been the tale of this summer). Away from the pools we glimpsed a Common Darter, and there were a few damselflies around. All very disappointing, except for the woodpecker on the woodpecker tree!

On the 23rd we had visited Turbary Woods Owl Sanctuary, then went to Hurst Grange Park for a picnic. Again the weather was cool, although sunny, and Odonata few and far between. We visited the largest of the ponds, where a broad-bodied chaser was present, as well as a red dragonfly that was too distant to see well and I failed to photograph.

It was bright red and had bright red pterostigmata, so I suppose the best guess is Ruddy darter. I wil have to return in better weather.

On the way out we spotted a nice female Common Darter who was trying to warm up on the path.

We continued to Priory meadow, with less luck than last time. We glimpsed a big blue job flasing across the northern pond - probably an Emperor? - and spotted some terrifyingly large exuviae on the lily pads.

No woodpeckers today, but we did see two Little Owls on the way home.