Wester Ross Dragonflies 21st June 2026

Sunday proved to provide the perfect conditions for inspecting a new site relatively close to Loch Maree, but still nice to venture somewhere different. Having checked a few areas beforehand (male Whinchat the best), it wasn't until I hit a corridor of ancient pines that the dragons came out in force. 

Along a single stretch, I recorded at least eight Azure Hawkers, four Northern Emeralds and two White-faced Darters. Some of the Azures were typically confiding, landing on my paler shirt for extra warmth, or basking on the exposed fence posts.

Having succeeded here, I then briefly checked another area and found a further two Azure Hawkers, plus a few Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. 

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Azure Hawker feasting on a Large Red Damselfly

Azure Hawkers

Northern Emerald

White-faced Darter

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Western Reef Heron 19th June 2026

Having just spent a week in Lancashire, commencing my initial role as Senior Manager for Birdquest, the temptation of a two hour twitch in the completely opposite direction to home proved too much on my 'return' journey on Friday. Needless to say, it was a long eight hours back home!

As I arrived at Conwy RSPB, news broke that the Western Reef Heron had departed its beloved beach and presumably would fly onto the reserve. It thankfully did, not that I saw it arrive, and showed nicely when I eventually reached a hide. 

A week prior, I spent much effort in trying to locate some gaps in my Highland yearlist, which inevitably involved hiking up a few munros, but it all came good as Dotterel, Ptarmigan and Ring Ouzel were soon located. The yearlist currently on 193.

Western Reef Heron at Conwy RSPB

Pine Marten

Ptarmigan

Dotterel

Ring Ouzel