iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by GrahamC75

jonsellar.bsky.social @jonsellar.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Seems fitting to make my first post here a end of season mugshot. An excellent season, let’s hope that next year jn the first division brings more success.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

A great last win of the season! We finished a credible fourth. No - not out of four! Congrats to Kent and Durham gaining promotion. Looking forward to next year. #Cricket #Middlesex #UpTheSex!

A photo of a Middlesex cricket mug. In celebration of another win!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

A Weasel popped up in front of me yesterday, whilst wandering around LVRP Silvermeade. #Weasel #Mammal #LVRP #Silvermeade #UKWildlife

A photo of a Weasel. After it saw me I was surprised to see that it didn't run off. Instead, it stared before continuing to hunt.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Clouded Yellow! I'd only seen two in my life before today. There must have been close to twenty around EWT Abberton. Chuffed! #Abberton #Lepidoptera #Butterflies #Butterfly #UKWildlife

A photo of a Clouded Yellow butterfly, found at Essex Wildlife Trust Abberton. There were quite a few around the area.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

A very good victory for the boys, today! Well done, Middlesex! #Middlesex #Cricket #AWinsAWin

A photo of a Middlesex Cricket mug, with a packet of Digestives. In celebration of a brilliant win today!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I counted at least 25 Spoonbills out on Abberton Reservoir. Sadly, most were asleep, and the sun had gone in. But still, Spoonbills…! #Abberton #EssexBirding #UKWildlife #Birds🪶

A photo of some of the Spoonbills seen at Abberton Causeway last Tuesday. A bit distant, but very viewable through the 'Bins...

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Osprey! I was sat in a Hide, in EWT's Abberton reserve. I'd heard about an Osprey visiting, but…suddenly, there it was!😍 With a fish. Wow. #Abberton #EssexBirding #UKWildlife

A photo of an Osprey with a fish in its talons. Accompanied by four Gadwall.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Visited Abberton Reservoir yesterday. Top day! This is one of many Great White Egrets Ardea alba. It was so close, it was a frame-filler! #GreatEgret #Abberton #EssexBirding

A photo of a Great White Egret hunting for lunch. It was initially distant, but to my astonishment, it flew over and landed right in front of me! There was no cropping needed.

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Reposted by GrahamC75

I Write Like @iwritelike.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

My new short story about fate, coincidence, choice and someone trying to reverse the mess of their own making. It's speculative fiction, meaning this story features otherworldly beings and supernatural elements. saraf.iwl.pub/p/guardian-a... #WritingCommunity #indieauthor #shortstory #Sarafidou

saraf.iwl.pub

Guardian Agent Thirteen

Guardian Agent Thirteen sat weeping on a spinning chair in front of a gigantic plasma screen on which myriads of black threads ran, intertwined and crossed each other like jagged spiderwebs. At one in...

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Reposted by GrahamC75

I Write Like @iwritelike.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Sometimes I write fairy tales. But not for kids. This one is probably one of the darkest, but it’s not without hope: The Road Less Walked saraf.iwl.pub/p/the-road-l... "Wherever the Gray Coats appeared, people would disappear." #indieauthor #free #shortstory #Sarafidou #WritingCommunity

saraf.iwl.pub

The road less walked

A dystopian fantasy short story about a heavily controlled town where people mysteriously vanish, and a quiet woman who has a secret path.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Some of the many flora I've photographed over the years. For one reason or another they're a few of my favourites. Flowers are good for my mental health. Happy to be corrected on any IDs. #Flowers #Flora #AFlowerADayKeepsThePsychologistAway @plantlifeuk.bsky.social

A photo of a Bird's-eye Primrose, a small herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennial in the family Primulaceae.

A photo of a sea of Black-eyed Susan flowers. Aka Yellow Coneflower.
Native to eastern and central North America, the plant is thought to be a Native American medicine for various ailments.

A photo of a Candytuft flower.
The name is not related to candy, but derives from Candia, the former name of Iraklion on the island of Crete. In the language of flowers, the candytuft symbolises indifference.

A photo of a Common Mallow, a herbaceous perennial. Very common where I live, along roads and the railway station . Such a pretty, but overlooked, flower.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Flora is still around and about, despite the drought conditions. It's also still a tad warm hereabouts. #Flowers #Flora #WhenIsItGonnaCoolDown

A photo of of a clump of Common Fleabane. A perennial that can form dense clusters of plants, spread by its roots.

A photo of a single Cornflower, sometimes known as a Bachelor's Button. Answers on a postcard, please.
It's now classed as endangered in its native habitat by agricultural intensification, particularly by over-use of herbicides.

A photo of a very pretty single Dove's-foot Crane's-Bill.
It blooms from April to September. Used as a herbal medicine.

A photo of a clump of Hemp Agrimony,. A perennial herb, it's found throughout the country, flowering between June and September. Insects love it, as do I. But, not with chips.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Southern Migrant Hawker Aeshna affinis from the family Aeshnidae. I've encountered a few of these on the continent, but sadly never in the UK. I fervently hope to, one day. #Dragonflies #Odonata #UKWildlife

A photo of a Southern Migrant Hawker in flight.

Aeshna affinis lacks the yellow T-shaped mark which is found on the top of the second abdomen segment in Aeshna mixta, the Migrant Hawker.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Kingfishers at RSPB Rye Meads. A third brood beckons, and both parents were busy bringing in fish. #Kingfisher #RSPB #RyeMeads

A photo of a male Kingfisher perched, with a fish and about to feed youngsters.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Visited HMWT Danemead yesterday. Hot and humid, but fairly quiet. Until... #JerseyTiger #TeamMoth #Lepidoptera @hertswildlifetrust.bsky.social

A photo of a Jersey Tiger moth nectoring on thistle. It was good to see a different angle.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

‘I have often observed that if one writes about the Weather, it is generally completely changed before the Letter is read.’ Jane Austen #JaneAusten #Weather

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Finally, the Willow Emeralds have arrived at my pond! I've been waiting years. Today: 2 x males, and a conjoined pair. Upto 16 odonata species, now. Next up, Migrant Hawker. #WillowEmerald #Damselfly #Odonata @britishdragonflies.bsky.social

A photo of a male Willow Emerald. I was delighted to have seen one around my pond today. There was also a male Common Darter, another addition.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Flora has exploded since the season began, despite being in drought conditions. Still, she's looking well. Though, the grassy areas are looking a bit brown and barren. #Flora #Flowers @plantlifeuk.bsky.social

A photo of Hemp Agrimony. Lots of hoverflies were on it. Until I edged closer to get a photo.

I'm no botanist, but think this is Blackthorn. I didn't taste to find out!

A photo of Purple Loosestrife. Plenty of it about!

A photo of Common Fleabane. Plenty of these about, too!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Another terrific local river trail walk yesterday. There appeared to be swarms of Painted Lady's. It was a good day for butterflies. #Butterfly #Butterflies #Lepidoptera #LocalArea #LocalPond #ItWasHot #ItWasHumid #IWasDogged @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social

A photo of a Comma butterfly at rest. The distinctive white 'comma' can be seen. I've had to wait ages to get shot like this!

A photo of a Gatekeeper butterfly, one of dozens around the area. They seem to have had a good year.

A photo showing a Meadow Brown perched up. Similar to the Gatekeeper, but the former has only one white spot, whereas the Gatekeeper has two.

A photo of a Painted Lady. I stopped counting when I'd reached double figures. I laughed thinking I’d probably see one around my pond. Stone me, I did! Another tick for the pond!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

'The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.' Jane Austen - Northanger Abbey #Reading #Books #JaneAusten

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

A few flowers seen around the pond this summer…It's been a good year, so far. #Flowers #Flora #LocalPond

A photo showing a single Meadow Cranes-bill. I love the pale-violet colour.

Sadly, all the Daffodils have gone. But they were great to see this year!

A photo of a Dandelion. Don't touch one, or you'll wet the bed!

A photo of a Devil's-bit Scabious. It was thought to be associated with magical or medicinal properties.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

A few blooms seen on my local travels...💐 #Flowers #Flora

A photo of Bindweed, seen on my local patch.

Common Mallow are seemingly everywhere locally. A lovely, if slightly ignored, flower.

A photo of some Cowslips, with a Pasqueflower in the background.

A photo showing a Cuckoo flower. It's said to bloom when the Cuckoos arrive.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

HMWT Panshangar Park threw up lots of interesting invertebrates today. I was in Heaven!😍 #HMWT #PanshangarPark #Invertebrates #Insects #UKWildlife @hertswildlifetrust.bsky.social

A photo of an Alder Leaf Beetle Agelastica alni.
Once a rare beetle which was previously believed to be extinct in the UK. However, thankfully, there have been an increasing number of recent records around the country.

A photo showing a Common Darter dragonfly. The first one I've seen this year. In fact, it was the only one seen today, and was outnumbered by lots of Ruddy Darters.

A photo of a Lesser Hornet hoverfly, aka the Wasp Plumehorn. My first one of the season. I saw two more later in the day.

A photo of a Rose Chafer resting on Wild Carrot. I hadn't seen one of these for several years.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

A visit to HMWT Panshangar Park today yielded not one, not two, but…I stopped counting at 20: Wasp Spiders... Amazing creatures. #WaspSpider #Arachnid #HMWT #PanshangarPark @hertswildlifetrust.bsky.social @britishspiders.bsky.social

A photo of a Wasp Spider, ventral side - one of at least 20 found.

The zigzag-shaped web decoration, named the stabilimentum, is featured at the centre of the web. Its function is not currently known, though studies have indicated that the webs containing stabilimentia are damaged less often by birds flying through them.

A photo of a Wasp Spider, dorsal side.

The male is about a quarter of the size of a female. It allows them to enter into a female's web undetected in order to mate.

Personal Note: Don't come back as a male spider.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

I visited Ethiopia a few years back, and found some amazing wildlife. One of which was this African Pygmy Kingfisher. It flew in and sat just a few feet away from me. #AfricanPygmyKingfisher #Kingfisher #Ethiopia

A photo of an African Pygmy Kingfisher. Remarkable colour and bird.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

A few interesting species seen recently on my recent walks around my pond and the local river... #Invertebrates #Insects #Odonata #Lepidoptera #UKWildlife

I had a terrific few hours recently, finding some extremely good inverts, including White-legged damselfly, Essex Skipper, Roesel's Bush Cricket, Pellucid Fly, Hornet Mimic hoverfly, Small Red-eyed damselfly and the first Willow Emerald of the season!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Went for another river trail wander yesterday. Terrific day! Saw my first White-legged damselfly last year, along the same stretch. This year, found at least four!😍 #White-Legged #Odonata #Damselflies #UKWildlife

A photo of a White-legged damselfly, perched up. AKA Blue Featherleg Platycnemis pennipes.

Another photo of the White-legged damselfly. At least four individuals seen along that stretch of river. Chuffed to have found them!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Latest pond-watch update. Green-eyed Hawker, Banded Demoiselle, lots of Blues. Plus, one male & two female Emperors, two male & one female Black-tailed Skimmers, PLUS - several Small Red-eyed damselflies.😍 Other inverts were available... #Odonata #Dragonflies #Damselflies #UKWildlife

A photo of a male Black-tailed Skimmer resting on a reed. There were a few territorial disputes with another male.

A photo of a male Emperor perched on a reed. Other than skirmishes with the Skimmers, he was keeping a close eye on two females ovipositing.

A photo of a Small Red-eyed damselfly resting on a lilypad. There were several of them about. There'd only been red-eyed in previous years. So, I was delighted to find another addition to the list!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Adonis Blue Polyommatus bellargus, from the family Lycaenidae. I was lucky enough to see several of these beauties down in Sussex several years ago. #AdonisBlue #Butterfly #Lepidoptera #UKWildlife

A photo of an Adonis Blue butterfly, perched up.

Sadly, it's another example of a species declining over the last fifty years because its habitat has been disappearing through changing agricultural practices.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Lots of butterflies seen on a lovely visit to LVRP Silvermeade recently. Well worth a visit! #Butterfly #Butterflies #Lepidoptera #UKWildlifeAp @leevalleypark.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social

A photo of a Common Blue butterfly. They don't rest often, and so it was nice to see one do so. If only for a few seconds.

A photo of an Essex Skipper butterfly. There were plenty of Skippers around during the visit. It was seen in Silvermeade, so I renamed it a Hertfordshire Skipper for the day!

A photo of a Gatekeeper butterfly, nectoring. One of several seen during the day.

A photo of a Small Skipper butterfly, nectoring. There were quite a few Skippers around the Reserve. Always difficult to tell apart.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

One chance. One moment. One second. One photo. They're bloody quick, aren't they…?😬 #TeamWren #Birds #UKWildlife 🪶 #LVRPSilvermeade

A photo of a Wren, perched on a fence. I only had time for one shot, before it flew...

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

I've signed a petition calling on Andy Burnham to Secure Our Future: To meet the UK's climate and nature commitments, pass the Nature + National Security Bill, and reject all new oil and gas. Please sign: www.zerohour.uk/andy

zerohour.uk

Secure Our Future For Us

Andy Burnham has a chance to Secure Our Future. Will you tell him not to waste it? Sign below.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Mmm... Afternoon tea and dunking biscuits...🫖 @yorkshiretea.bsky.social With McVities biscuits Plus, a magnificent win for Middlesex cricket. Life doesn't get much finer for me!😆 #Tea #Biscuits #Cricket #Sunshine

A photo of a mug of tea, biscuits, and a boiling kettle.
One of life's little pleasures...

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Paid a lovely visit to LVRP Silvermeade yesterday. There were several contributors to future generations. #UKWildlife #Odonata #Damselfly #Dragonfly @leevalleypark.bsky.social @britishdragonflies.bsky.social

A photo of a female Brown Hawker ovipositing. Brown Hawkers are one of the hardest dragonflies to photograph, as they are always on the move!

A photo of a pair of Azure damselflies forming a mating wheel, which at times is almost heart-shaped.

A photo of a female Emperor dragonfly ovipositing in my local pond. A pond, this year, that keeps on giving!

Another photo of the female Emperor dragonfly ovipositing in my local pond. There was a male nearby, who was keeping an eye on her.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo, from the family Calopterygidae. Seen recently at LVRP Myddelton Gardens. I'm eagerly awaiting for one to appear in my pond!🤞 #UKWildlife #Odonata #Damselfly

A photo of a male Beautiful Demoiselle damselfly.

Factoid: They perform a behaviour known as 'wing lapping', where the wings are quickly flapped down and then slowly lifted. It's believed this is mainly used for communication. However, it may also help ventilate the thorax, possibly playing a role in thermoregulation.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Blue-tailed damselfly violacea, Ischnura elegans, from the family Coenagrionidae. Seen on my local pond, a few days ago. #BlueTailedDamselfly #Damselfly #Odonata

A photo of a female Blue-tailed damselfly violacea form.
The different forms are thought to be because the females are trying to avoid unwanted male attention, so that they can lay eggs. Sounds familiar.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Bumped into a family of Long-tailed Tits during a recent local river walk. Fluffballs! #Long-TailedTits #UKWildlife #Birds 🪶

A photo of an adult Long-tailed Tit with nourishment for its young.

A photo of a juvenile Long-tailed Tit, clearly giving me the eye!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

My local pond is proving to be extremely productive, this year. We've had Banded Demoiselle and Four-spotted Chaser before, but yesterday was the first time I found a Black-tailed Skimmer and - the glittering prize - a Green-eyed Hawker! #Damselfly #Dragonfly #Odonata #Chuffed

A photo of a male Banded Demoiselle damselfly, looking straight at the camera.

A photo of a Black-tailed Skimmer, resting on a reed. It's the first time I've seen one in my backyard!

A photo of a Four-spotted Chaser, perched up. One of two on the pond.

A photo of a Green-eyed Hawker, aka Norfolk Hawker, perched on a reed. This is the first time I've found one on my local pond!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Photos taken yesterday - local pond flowers…Southern Marsh orchid & a Common Self-heal Prunella vulgaris. #Orchids #SaveTheOrchid

A photo of a Common Self-heal Prunella vulgaris.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

The sun is out, summer has finally arrived! So, went for a quick stroll along the local river... #BlueSkies #GreenFields #Summer #AboutTime

Photo of my local river, with one of the many locks in the foreground. Green fields and blue skies.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

A fine win for Middlesex v Worcestershire…Time for the mug! #Middlesex #Cricket #SavingTheBiscuits

A photo of a Middlesex cricket mug. In celebration of another fine win!

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

It's still Orchid season! Current count around the Pond is 34 x Bee, 3 x Common Spotted, 2 x Southern Marsh. We also have a Southern Marsh x Common Spotted. The photos show others I've seen on my travels...😍 #Orchids #SaveTheOrchid

Orchids! Early Marsh, Fragrant, Heath Spotted, Pyramidal and Rock. Just a few seen over the years...

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum, of the family Libellulidae. Love these dragonflies; they are wonderfully photogenic. It's nice to see something called 'Common' and realise that they are. #Dragonfly #Odonata #Darter

A photo of a Common Darter dragonfly, perched on a stick. Similar appearance to other Darter species, particularly Ruddy Darter.
Common Darter can be distinguished by its pale leg stripes.

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Reposted by GrahamC75

I Write Like @iwritelike.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

My site with my stories is up! 🎉 There are short stories and fairy tales (for the lack of a better term. They differ from usual fairy tales.) They are all free, in more than one meaning: they cost nothing and also they are no longer trapped in offline folders. saraf.iwl.pub #writing #blog #fiction

saraf.iwl.pub

Alexandra Sarafidou

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Copper Demoiselle Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis, of the family Calopterygidae. Seen several summers ago, on a lovely trip to France. #CopperDemoiselle #Damselfly #Odonata #France

A photo of a Copper Demoiselle damselfly, perching on a twig. I was surprised to learn that they can hybridise with the Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens.

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GrahamC75 @grahamc57.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Today’s local pond count: 37 Bee Orchids, 2 x Southern Marsh, 3 x Common Spotted. Also, Dragonflies: 2 x Four-spotted Chasers, 2 x Emperors - male & ovipositing female, one male Broad-bodied Chaser. Not totally sure about the first orchid? @ukorchids.bsky.social @britishdragonflies.bsky.social

A photo of an Orchid.
Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii or
Heath Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza maculata ?

A photo of a Bee Orchid, one of at least thirty-seven around our pond area.

A photo of a male Broad-bodied Chaser perched up, by my local pond. Taken with my iPhone.

A photo of a Four-spotted Chaser perched up by my pond. Taken with my iPhone.

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