Monday 15 July 2013

Breeding Norfolk Hawkers in Kent!

I managed to make a very brief visit after work back to Westbere to see if I could find the 2 Norfolk Hawkers that had been seen yesterday. I had spoken to Mike Buckland earlier in the day who not only saw the 2 Norfolk Hawkers but also managed to gain the excellent news that they had been seen copulating and later a female egg laying. This must mean that one of yesterday Hawkers was in fact a female. I believe this is the confirmation that we have been waiting to hear that they are in fact breeding in Kent, brilliant news. I suspect the 2 individuals emerged this year from the area as they are in excellent condition and show no signs of any wear and tear which would mean they probably bred last year as well, this however is all guess work at the moment but how many more are in the unseen dykes in the area? After arriving I met Dave Walker who had seen them and it wasn't long before I found one and began trying to get a few more photos of them with some success.


Norfolk Hawker

They showed very well and gave me a few shots from different angles and plenty of time to appreciate this rare Kent dragonfly. I then made my way back only to find the other one c30yds away and so took a few more shots just in case I did not have enough. Also seen in the dykes were 1 Brown Hawker, 4 Banded Demoiselle and lots of Common Blue and Blue tailed Damselfly. Another great but brief session but some more pleasing shots in the bag of this species.



Norfolk Hawker

10 comments:

  1. Great shots back, a fantastic turn up.

    Im hoping they decided the fill the county they missed inbetween: Essex!

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  2. Great shots Marc clearly there must be more than 2 down there then ?

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  3. Awesome shots, Marc! Such great detail! That is a beautiful species! The dragonflies are in full force here right now, however my photos are tragic compared to these:)

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  4. Brilliant Marc.
    Managed to see them myself yesterday. Saw them in tandem in flight but just missed out seeing the egg laying which Mike saw. Red kite overthe lake a bit later too.

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  5. Excellent shots Marc, would like to get up there at the weekend but looks iffy getting out anywhere again!! :-(

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  6. Marc, you got to be happy with those shots mate :-) Top notch!! Just love the colour of those eyes!

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  7. Brilliant Marc. Better than most images of their kind I've ever seen, and equal to any other....STUNNING.

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  8. Many thanks all for the comments. I am actually pleased with these and a good reason why I moved up to the 50d I think.

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