Well, let’s see. I love Winter, it’s not hot (which is good ’cause I don’t like overheating), but it’s often a little bleak and lifeless. Spring is great when things start growing again. New flowers, little new animaux – fab. Autumn is often my fave because of the pretty leaves, the animals preparing for Christmas, the nice temperature – a well stocked season!

But I’m surprising myself at how much I’m enjoying Summer at the moment. After Spring’s slow beginning, everything seems to be ramping up and getting abundant. The butterflies were a bit late, but they’re here now, as are my friends the dragonflies. The spiders are loving it too, and the surrounding countryside is full of squeaks, squawks, and cheery creatures.

The other day I was relaxing on the grass in the sunshine. Suddenly I saw, about 6 inches above my face, a lovely little Common Darter (dragonfly) hovering. It flitted away a few inches when my fiancee, who was lying face-down next to me, moved her head upon spotting it. Then it came back, hovering over my body, before gently settling on my finger!!

We gazed at it in excitement. It was a pretty wee thing. About 2 inches long and with its greeny-yellow body angled to gather warmth from the sun; I kept my hand still as we watched it as it sunbathed for a few minutes, a couple of times lifting off and settling again to change its position. It was a really joyful and special experience. We hadn’t gone out looking for it, it had just happened because we were there and willing to let it happen.

It was one of those being-in-touch-with-nature sort of moments, where you get a priveleged and up-close connection with something completely wild and knowing that you’re not intruding, you’re just sharing time with them.

The other dragonflies and damselflies were out on the pond too and we took some pictures. The Nursery Web spiders (Pisaura mirabilis) were sitting by their nurseries as the young spiderlings relaxed inside, having recently hatched out. It was a charming, lively, naturey day – the sort that ‘almost’ convinces me the Summer is the best season!

Enjoy the weather, Nature Gazers.