Local Delights

I hadn't intended to go out this morning but after getting up and seeing the sun was out, I went out for a couple of hours to a site near home, just south of Reculver to see what dragonflies were around. I spent the first 30 minutes in the shallows where I found 2 Four spotted exuvia but despite searching, I failed to find any in the process of emerging.

Four spotted Chaser Exuvia

Moving on, I soon heard the beating of wings in the reeds and could see a female Four spotted Chaser climbing up. In this fresh condition, they look just superb and I spent a while studying her at close range and taking a few photos before she warmed up enough and made possibly her first flight.

Four spotted Chaser (female)

 Walking through the grasses produced a few Common Blue Damselfly but Azure and Blue tailed Damselfly were the most numerous damselfly seen. As I searched I found a first for me for this site, a single male Large Red Damselfly which was most surprising but very welcome. I continued on seeing more damselflies and flushed a Broad bodied Chaser and before I left, I thought I would take another look to see if anything was emerging in the shallows. As I got my eye in, I could see lots of damselfly exuvia's clinging to the reeds and further searching revealed lots of nymphs preparing to emerge. Some where already in the process of emerging while others had emerged and were maturing up, it was a site to behold as these new lives were starting up in front of me.

Azure Damselfly Emerging

Although the water was at the top of my wellies and I had a soaked backside from crouching down to try to get a few photos, it was all worth it, just to witness this site. Most of what I could see emerging seemed to be Azure Damselfly and looking at the caudal lamellae seemed to confirm this, however please feel free to correct me if I have got this wrong.

Newly Emerged Azure Damselfly

With this I left for home and a few minutes later was preparing a nice tea and breakfast. Weather permitting, maybe a trip out in the week if the weather allows. If not, I have a few photos i'm sure that I could post!