Dave Smallshire

Birdwatcher for 60 years, dragonflies and all other wildlife followed. Author, wildlife guide, photographer and lecturer. Now moved to Bluesky.

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

Just love the intricate wing venation on this Southern Hawker - compare the newly-expanded wing with that of the wing-sheaths on the exuvia! Note also how 3-D the wings are - not at all flat. @BDSdragonflies

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

Our friends at @WWT are bringing back their Dragonfly Festival for summer 2026 ✨📣

Enjoy dragonfly safaris, creative workshops, pond dipping and more at nine wetland centres across the UK this school holiday.

🔗 https://t.co/8NTiKyK1xw

#DragonflyFestival

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

After yesterday's Southern Hawker exuvia at my S Devon pond, here's a second one today - but this time with the adult still there, waiting for a bit of sun! @BDSdragonflies

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

My second earliest exuvia of Southern Hawker in my Devon pond today. Not too surprising given other early emerging dragonflies in recent days.
@BDSdragonflies. Note the eyes smaller than in Emperor, which is busy emerging currently. White strands are the linings of the tracheae.

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

Despite the hot weather I was still surprised to see newly-emerged Emerald Damselfly &Common Darter today at Ventiford Ponds (private), ,S Devon. 12 other species included Red-eyed Damselflies, 6 Hairy Dragonflies (1 egg-laying) & 8 Downy Emeralds (+2 exuviae). @BDSdragonflies

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

In fact here is a slide scan of it displaying in 1980!

[Julian Thomas @JulianThomas19]

3 yrs ago today, at the Spruce Bog Trail, Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada, @ClevedonMoths , Paul G, and I enjoyed rather special views of Spruce Grouse. Stunning bird in a stunning location.

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

Saw my first along that trail in May 1980! Male displayed at point blank range. Eventually realised female was incubating at my feet!

[Julian Thomas @JulianThomas19]

3 yrs ago today, at the Spruce Bog Trail, Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada, @ClevedonMoths , Paul G, and I enjoyed rather special views of Spruce Grouse. Stunning bird in a stunning location.

[BELVIDE BIRDING𓅪 @BelvideBirding]

If it's not scarce birds, then Belvide is now getting in on the scarce Dragonfly action. At least 5 Lesser Emperor this morning, including 4 males and this pair ovipositing. Superb stuff. Also at least 2 Red-veined Darter.

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

Our Somerset Recorders are looking for volunteer surveyors, particularly in Exmoor, Quantocks, Yeovil and the West Sedgemoor area. No experience is necessary, and full training and support will be given. Get in touch with Chris or Jon: https://t.co/3IRWOaYH52 📸Stuart Allen

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

A row around the margins of Stover Lake today produced at least 14 Hairy Dragonflies, 3 Downy Emeralds and a recently emerged Scarce Chaser - the first conclusive proof of breeding in the Bovey Basin, S Devon. @BDSdragonflies

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

If you imagine the brown areas are blue it becomes a male Common Blue Damselfly! This is recently emerged and yet to colour up.

[On Par with Nature 🌳 @Girlygolfer2013]

So bearing in mind I am a novice, I took a photo of this and thought it was a winter damselfly. However when I read my book, it said that it had last been seen once in 2008 so I guess it's not one of those. Any help gratefully appreciated. @BDSdragonflies #damselfly #nature

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

Join us at Stover Country Park, Devon, for a guided Dragonfly Walk on 24 May!

Look out for early species Hairy Dragonfly, Downy Emerald & Scarce Chaser while learning more about dragonfly recording and conservation.

⏰ 10am–4pm
🎟️ No booking required
https://t.co/wjgRhqNHcJ

[Dave Smallshire @smallshire]

Wishing a very happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough, Patron of the British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies and world class communicator. Here's an image of Attenborough's Pintail from Madagascar, named after the great man on his 90th birthday.

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

Happy 100th Birthday to our Patron, Sir David Attenborough 🎉

A true icon of natural history, inspiring generations to care for wildlife and the natural world.

From all at the British Dragonfly Society, thank you and enjoy a well-deserved slice of cake! 🍰

[Marc Heath @MarcHeathym007]

It won't be long until the Dainty Damselfly starts to emerge, so now is a good time to get familiar with the identification of the species. There are probably unfound colonies out there still waiting to be found. @BDSdragonflies @Britnatureguide @NatureUK @smallshire

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

The BDS signed a joint open letter with other wildlife charities, urging the government to restrict pet flea treatments that have a range of environmental impacts, from water pollution to reducing songbird chick survival. https://t.co/0VGhoWZD0j

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

Our #DragonfliesontheBog Project Officer, Emma, met with Steve Edmonds and Ellie Peters of @SouthWestPeatlandsPartnership this week to hear about how their peatland restoration work is benefiting dragonflies across the UK's south west.
https://t.co/p4GTJGV3Qc

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

Sign up to our free monthly e-newsletter to receive updates on what to look out for each month, upcoming events, research, campaigns and projects: https://t.co/dgdfEPGG6J

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

Author and tour guide Dave Smallshire reflects on some of his exciting finds whilst travelling the world on the hunt for dragonflies. Watch now on the BDS YouTube channel: https://t.co/02ZFqjcWud

[British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies]

Did you see the emerging Emperors on Wild London? Hear from the man who raised them. Join us at our Spring Meeting online on Saturday 21 March and learn about the weird world dragonfly larvae from experts Jon Van-Gowler and Mark Webb. https://t.co/HaSChPKr8n #odonata #wildlife