Northern Emerald

 Yesterday there was a slight increase in migrant numbers in Maridalen (https://ebird.org/checklist/S72566583) but it still quiet and still no R-b Shrikes. House Martins which had been scarce after the local breeders seem to have cleared out were suddenly numerous with presumably migrating birds moving through. These attracted a Hobby which was the highlight of the day although was an all too brief encounter.

adult Hobby (lerkefalk)

In the afternoon I dropped Jr Jr and a friend off at a lake so they could cool down (it is still hot) and this gave me a chance to check out a nearby tiny bog in the forest where I located a single Northern Emerald (myrmetallibelle) Somatochlora arctica. This species is rarely recorded but this is probably due to people not visiting suitable localities and is also small with a habit of flying over wet boggy bits (and it never lands in my experience!) such that it is difficult to confirm what you are looking at. It does however fly around in such a way that with patience it is possible to take some pictures of it in focus that allow it’s ID to be confirmed. The wet shoes and mosquito bites were worth it as it is a very elegant dragon 😊

Northern Emerald (myrmetallibelle) Somatochlora arctica.