Friday 27 June 2014

I Might Have Got 'That' Shot!

With the weather forecast seemingly completely wrong today with no rain, thunder and lighting, I made my way after work back to Westbere Lakes in warm sunshine but with quite a strong breeze. I thought that the wind would make for an awkward session but as it happens it actually helped out quite well. I soon found a number of Hawkers but with the help of the wind, they often got blown off their perches and spent some time flying around. This gave me the chance to make a good count and I ended up seeing 16 Norfolk Hawker, my highest total for this site and more good news to know there are a good number around. The fact they were flying more often also provided me with plenty of photo opportunities and I spent an hour trying to once again improve on my flight shots. With a number of visits behind me and plenty of 'nearly' flight shots, I finally got my reward with a few flight shots turning out quite nicely and it seemed the factors were working in my favour.

Male Norfolk Hawker

As with any photography, there are a number of factors that need to work out, in this case, a subject to photograph and parallel to the camera that shows well, good light and no reeds in the way to name a few. I don't think I will improve on the shots below and feel quite pleased with them but you never know, I will probably go back for another try.

Male Norfolk Hawker

Also seen were 3 Brown Hawker, 3 Scarce Chaser, 5 Black tailed Skimmer and plenty of Banded Demoiselles and 'Blue' damselflies. Hopefully out Sunday as it looks better weather wise where I may go and have a look for some Willow Emerald Damselflies, another rare national species but doing well in Kent in the past few years. Fingers crossed that some may have emerged.


Male Norfolk Hawker

10 comments:

  1. You are really right on, you can put a load of money on their fantastic. You must have of been set on high speed to get them?

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    1. This shot was taken at ISO 400 and 1/1250 sec. Thankfully enough speed to capture most of the dragonfly in action.

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  2. Awesome set of flight shots Marc!

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  3. Simply amazing, these shots.
    Gongrats,
    JR

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  4. Absolute stunners Marc, nice one! Well worth the time put in to get them i'd say

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  5. That top shot has cost me about 300 shots, worth every one when you get that shot, very satisfying.

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  6. HAAAAN!!!
    I am literally glued to my screen admiring these shots!
    No one can ever do better than this with the species!
    I am also green with jealousy since I have yet to see A. isoceles!!!
    You now what.... Wouldn't these pics look great on Dragonfly World?!! :)

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    1. 1/1250 sec is OK if they hover still I agree!
      Done with your Sigma 150mm?

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    2. I think the top shot is one of my faves ever. I put quite a bit of effort in for it so well pleased. Taken with the Canon f4 300mm lens.

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