Dragonfly alert!

[allotment_chick]

Well, you could have knocked me down with a feather...well, not really.... but it took me by surprise, I can tell you!

One of those monster red bodied dragonflies zoomed in for a visit today.  Not terribly noteworthy you might think, but there aren't any ponds on our site and as we are surrounded by the Uni and green fields, I'm not sure where it came from!  I think it must have been attracted by the puddles that had collected in the plastic covering on number 2 plot, but it soon decided this wasn't appropriate accommodation and flew off!  

I do, however, take this to be a good sign for the planned development of a mini wildlife garden on said plot, as rejuventation for my soul when partaking of a cuppa...  Washing up bowl (or two) to the ready!  :D

[allotment_chick]

[allotment_chick]

I think I've sussed it - I noticed as I was tending my bonfire on Saturday that the plastic is shiny and reflects the light like water - the dragonflies are attracted to the plastic - there were loads them in 'lurve' mode (I had to avert my gaze...)  I hope they find real water to lay their eggs in!  

[Mrs Ava]

In our Essex neighbourhood we have lots of ponds, both natural and man made, and lots of water ways, but I have never seen as many dragon flies as I have seen this year!  :o  They come into the house, they dive bomb me when I am pottering and are generally hovering about all over the place!  Must have been a good spring for dragon fly baby making!

[Beer_Belly]

Here in NL my garden has neighbours on 2 sides with ponds, my plum tree has been full of Damsonflies "roosting" and in the evenings there's a massive green dragonfly that dive bombs us - great fun!