Nature: Pam Taylor hails a good start for Norfolk's dragonfly-spotting season

The dragonfly season for 2017 is now well under way with many counties, including Norfolk, recording their earliest-ever dates for large red damselfly. I'm proud to say the first report for this county came from two emergents in my own garden pond on April 4. This was three days earlier than the previous record for Norfolk, set I believe in 2007. Tessa Needham at Sutton Fen also found a large red damselfly on the same day.

As we progress through May I expect several other dragonflies to join these large reds on the wing. Other early species to look out for include four-spotted chaser, hairy dragonfly and broad-bodied chaser, as well as damsels such as azure and variable.

Back last October I received a Norfolk record for vagrant emperor. It was photographed by Robin Chittenden near Burnham Overy Staithe. This rare and unusual migrant travels all the way up from sub-Saharan Africa and is becoming a more regular visitor to our shores. Other records last autumn came from two extremes of the country; the Scilly Isles and Orkneys.

I haven't received any records for Norfolk this spring, but there have been several further reports from the Scilly Isles, as well as Cornwall. Single unconfirmed individuals have also been reported from Devon and Dorset.

It's not just real-life dragonflies that have kept me fascinated recently. Three excellent spring publications from the British Dragonfly Society have also just arrived. Dragonfly News is packed with reports from the society's officers and about the autumn conference; the best ever according to the author. There are also features about migrants and new colonists, as well as details about projects you can get involved with such as Willow Emerald Watch.

A new double page spread both by and for young naturalists and containing an interview with TV presenter Nick Baker, should appeal to the younger generation. A members' gallery shows off some of the best photos of last year, while no fewer than six pages detail the wealth of field meetings and courses available to BDS members throughout Britain.

Together with Darter, the magazine that highlights recording projects and special species, and the BDS Journal, they make membership of the BDS fantastic value for money.