Black-Tailed Skimmer Dragonfly

Black-Tailed Skimmer Dragonfly on chain over pond

It never ceases to amaze us how creatures find their way into new ponds. Our pond in the courtyard was completed towards the end of last year and has been slowly filled via the rainwater butts since then. We did add a few buckets of water from our old pond to the new pond to help get it started but we made a deliberate decision not to add insects or animals to the pond as we wanted things to take their natural course. 

We did not have to wait long before pond skaters, water boatmen and other tiny creatures started to colonise the water.  They were swiftly followed by some young frogs and palmate newts, who were probably happy that dinner had arrived before them.  In February large clumps of frog spawn could be seen bobbing just below the surface, so while we haven't seen any mature frogs in the pond they must have visited. 

Black-Tailed Skimmer Dragonfly on chain over pond

The latest addition to the pond are some enormous, brightly coloured dragonflies. We love watching them as they dart across the surface of the water munching on the midges and mosquitoes, stopping only briefly on the chain or a plant to take a short breather. 

Their wings are particularly fascinating as they look as if they are made from finely woven silk that would fall apart in the gentlest breeze.  Yet, when flying fast across the pond surface the dragonflies flap their wings noisily, like a child's windmill, and change direction instantly to chase another doomed insect.  

Our hope is these beautiful creatures will lay their eggs in the pond so that we will be treated to an even larger flying display next year.