Here’s another of the stunning dragons I saw at the ponds in Maesteg last week. And this is another species I’d only seen once before, back in 2017 on a birding day out to the Lliw Reservoirs north of Swansea.

These gorgeous dragonflies are Keeled skimmers (Orthetrum coerulescens), also known in Europe as Heathland skimmers, which gives a very clear indication of their preference for the acidic conditions of heathland waterways and the drains and ponds of peat bogs. The Maesteg ponds provide the perfect habitat for them, except perhaps for the locals who allow their dogs to swim there.

These beauties were quite easy to find when I wandered around the ponds as, according to my guide book, the males hold quite small territories, with a favourite perch from which they flit out to see off any intruders. So, once I found their perches, I was able to stand a little way off to watch their flights and grab photos once they settled again.

I only saw male Keeled skimmers during this visit to the ponds, so I’ve yet to see one of golden yellow females. These dragonflies are usually active from mid June to mid August so I may have missed seeing the females this year but I will certainly be visiting this location again next year.