One day last week, for a change of scene, I headed to north Cardiff, for a wander around the area where I flatted when I first moved to Cardiff almost eight years ago. By chance, when I was wandering through the wild area at the northern end of Roath Park I bumped into a birder I know, who also happens to be a park ranger. I told him I was heading for Roath Brook to look for the Banded demoiselles I’ve seen there in the past, and he mentioned the Small red-eyed damselflies to be found around the lake. I’d never seen one of those so I made it my day’s mission to find one.

It was hot standing in the full sun, staring at the vegetation, trying to check all the blue damselflies, but it was worth the effort. I found my first Small red-eyed damselfly (Erythromma viridulum) at the northern end of the lake. And then, at the southern end, by peering over the railing of the dam, I spotted several more flitting about and perching on the duckweed. My photos aren’t very good, I’m afraid, but the British Dragonflies website has some crackers.