Birdwatcher for 60 years, dragonflies and all other wildlife followed. Author, wildlife guide, photographer and lecturer. Now moved to Bluesky.
Joined August 2015
- Tweets 2,413
- Following 73
- Followers 803
- Likes 3,897
180 Photos and videos
Dave Smallshire retweeted
💷🐉 From Pond to Pocket – Vote for the Emperor Dragonfly!
You have until 3rd July to vote for your favourite wildlife to feature on the next series of UK banknotes.
We may be biased, but few species are as iconic as the Emperor Dragonfly.
🔗 buff.ly/AdwB8Wu
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Jun 13
Male Lesser Emperor and 7 Scarce Chasers on territory at Decoy Lake, Newton Abbot, today. @BDSdragonflies
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The tenth Southern Hawker to emerge from my pond in the last two weeks warming its flight muscles before take-off @BDSdragonflies
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Dave Smallshire retweeted
🔍 Species Spotlight: Emperor Dragonfly
Look for its apple-green thorax, sky-blue abdomen (males) and powerful flight.
Spot one this #PondWatch weekend? Record it on iRecord! And don't forget, the Emperor Dragonfly is shortlisted for the new UK banknotes. 💷✨
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Dave Smallshire retweeted
🐾 Did you know some flea and tick treatments can harm pond wildlife?
As part of our PondWatch campaign, this video from our friends at the Broads Authority, highlights how pet owners can reduce the risk of freshwater contamination, while still keeping their pets protected.
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May 31
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
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Dave Smallshire retweeted
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.
🔗 wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/w…
#DragonflyFestival
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May 29
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
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May 28
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.
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May 27
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
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May 26
In fact here is a slide scan of it displaying in 1980!
May 25
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.
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May 26
Saw my first along that trail in May 1980! Male displayed at point blank range. Eventually realised female was incubating at my feet!
May 25
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.
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Dave Smallshire retweeted
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.
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Dave Smallshire retweeted
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: bit.ly/42vqlf2 📸Stuart Allen
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May 21
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
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May 19
If you imagine the brown areas are blue it becomes a male Common Blue Damselfly! This is recently emerged and yet to colour up.
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
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Dave Smallshire retweeted
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
buff.ly/vg2oZy3
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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.
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Dave Smallshire retweeted
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! 🍰
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Dave Smallshire retweeted
Apr 29
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
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