Odonata around Fethiye was dominated by Red-veined Darters in their 00’s + lower nos of Migrant Hawker, Vagrant Emperor & Violet Dropwing. Other wildlife included many sightings of Roughtail Rock Agama, Caucasian Squirrel, Loggerhead Turtles & a fantastic opportunity to hold a young Balkan Terrapin.

Butterflies were few & far between, presumably due to being late in the season & following heavy rainfall the week prior to our arrival. The tiny Dark Grass Blue & Eastern Bath White were frequent along roadsides. Tree Grayling & Pale Small-branded Swift were also pleasing to see.

Local walks north of Çaliş regularly found Crested Larks at the roadsides as well as an abundance of Spanish Sparrows, Laughing Doves, Spotted Flycatchers plus many examples of the subspecies ‘Anatolian’ Jay. A Red-backed Shrike on our final day was the only one of the trip.

That’s a corker!

Yes, definitely a Red-veined Darter

Thanks Luke, just had it after I moved round to the NW side. 5-10 second view after 2 hours wait 😬

Hi Nick, just out of curiosity, were you viewing from north, south or west of what I assume is its favoured clump?

That’s great to hear. I never realised they could hatch young so early until now. You learn something new everyday.

Very early in the year to see a well grown juvenile like this. Must’ve hatched late Jan or early Feb. Surprising considering the weather/temperature.

This is the bird I had at Avon Tyrrell on 17th Nov which I assumed to be the same as the Cowards Marsh bird (R pic, per Scott Usher). Looked tidy when I saw it. LHS stripe much less prominent.

Apologies both for the confusion, I clearly didn’t read the post properly. All what I said is correct for Willow Emerald. Not aware of any Southern Emerald records for Dorset.

Great record for so far west in the county. There’s a small breeding population at Hengistbury Head & probably also Mudeford Woods but only recently established. Records from west of there appear to be few & far between (unless someone can correct me). One at Holes Bay in September springs to mind.

That would be very good 🤞

Excellent Roly. Feather detail on the eagle confirms my suspicions that it’s G818, a 3 year old female which has spent recent weeks in the Avon Valley & some time on most mornings in Christchurch Harbour.

That is annoying. Assembled crowd was stood on the grass about 30 yards beyond where the muddy track dipped through the hedge. Was flitting between brambles by the maize, then went off towards the large Oak tree further east when I left.

That’s a shame Steve. I must’ve just missed you as I was there at 3:30 when it was showing quite close. It did gradually move away to the east of the field without anyone getting closer to it.