The Golden Ringed Dragonfly is of medium size with striking black and golden rings along the length of its body. Dragonflies can be seen hunting over springs, burns and rivers feeding on smaller flying insects, including damselflies and moths.
During bad weather dragonflies cannot fly or catch food so may starve. In warm conditions, however, adults can live for several months. Larger females may be seen perched on foliage above water sources, extending their long thin abdomens into the wat
er to lay eggs on underwater vegetation.
Where to see themRanger-led activities at Cream O' Galloway, Gatehouse-of-fleet, Castle Douglas (01557 814040) include nature trails through beautiful landscape of rugged pasture, ponds and woodland.
Earshaig Forest (01387 860 247), above the village of Beattock, not far from Moffat and the M74, is a hidden beauty spot with a signed walk weaving between several ponds.
On the A712, five miles west of the village of Corsock in Dumfries & Galloway, you'll find Knowetop Lochs (0131-312 7765). These two small lochs are known locally as the Lowes Lochs – "the bright, shining" lochs. The reserve also includes areas of woodland, fen, reedbed, heath, willow scrub and bog habitat.
Where to stayCavens, Kirkbean, Dumfries & Galloway (01387 880234, www.cavens.com) built by Sir Richard Oswald in 1752, remained in the Oswald family until as recently as the 1960s. Sir Richard was a wealthy tobacco baron whose Cavens Estates stretched all over Dumfriesshire and into Ayrshire.
Cavens, now the home of Angus and Jane Fordyce, is a comfortable country house hotel offering tranquillity and relaxation. The hotel restaurant also comes highly recommended, and is accredited with three Medallions by VisitScotland and one Rosette by the AA.
For the latest news on Scotland's wildlife go to
www.visitscotland.com/wildlife For accommodation details go to
www.visitscotland.comGAYLE WILSON
The full article contains 312 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
