5 June 2007
CWP 46/48: Swillbrook Lakes Reserve. 1530 hrs. 1 male Lesser Emperor found at reserve, considered to be freshly emerged due to teneral sheen on wings, freshness of body and weak flight. Was seen near to a hawker exuviae (as observed through binoculars) but obviously cannot be certain that it originated from this! The male was being hassled continuously by Four Spotted Chaser. Also present: 1 female Emperor was ovipositing nearby alone, many Black Tailed Skimmer, Common Blue Damsels, Blue Tailed Damsels and Red Eyed Damsels.
Please observe from the northern end of the reserve, adjacent to the public footpath, in the vicinity of the area where Lesser Emperor were observed ovipositing in 2006. In order to minimise disturbance to nesting birds (in particular Nightingale) and impact upon the reserve, please keep to the public footpath. Please avoid trampling marginal vegetation. Please only view lake from the area of the seat in the north-east corner. Gareth Harris, Biodiversity Officer, Cotswold Water Park Society.