Sunday 6 July 2014

'Willows' on the Wing

With a weekend of camping with the family and a thorough soaking was had, I had a brief outing this afternoon to Marshside near Reculver where the rare Willow Emerald Damselfly can be found. Although it was quite bright, the sun was struggling to break through but it was quite warm. I parked up near Little Grays Farm and spent an hour walking along the bushes and also checking the dykes for this damselfly. I flushed many Blue tailed Damselfly and after a while of searching, a large Emerald Damselfly flew up and rested on the reeds. A quick scan revealed a teneral Willow Emerald Damselfly, the prominent spur on the side of the thorax being present, my first of the year and a pleasing site to what will hopefully be a good year for them. I continued to scan and was rewarded with 7 Willow Emerald Damselfly. Despite the sun not making an appearance I took a few shots and managed a few usable images but will make an effort to return back here a number of times to obtain some better quality shots in the sunshine, maybe starting this week if the weather allows one day after work.


Female Willow Emerald Damselfly

4 comments:

  1. I'm getting to like these Emerald damsels Marc, More so than the Blues and the Chaser species, just wish i had some locally to find!

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    1. I do feel quite lucky I must admit, all these within a few mintes drive of home. What else I wonder lies out there waiting to be found?

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  2. You certainly seem to have some fabulous species nearby. Fabulous images as well!!

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  3. The Willow Emerald Damselfly is a brilliant new one to me, and the way you take them, what can I say, well done Marc.

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