Catching Up with the Dragonflies

With a few sessions in the past week or so and many photos taken, I've only just got round to looking at a few. I managed to find a nice fresh Emerald Damselfly at the weekend and as it was a bit 'dewy', I took a few photos while it was at rest.

Emerald Damselfly (immature male)

There seems to have been a noticeable increase in Common Darters and Black tailed Skimmers and it was nice to capture a couple of fresh individuals. I particularly like the wings on the Common Darter, stunning.

Black tailed Skimmer (immature male) 

Common Darter (teneral female)

A few visits to Westbere Lakes have produced up to 4 Norfolk Hawker, most on the river, and I was most surprised when on Wednesday whilst teaching PE outside at work, when I noticed a dragonfly flying around the field. I couldn't get an id on it at first but it soon made a fly past and I was able to see it was a Norfolk Hawker, mixing work and pleasure at its best. I only work about 1 mile from the Westbere Lakes colony so I suspect that it originated from there. I also get the feeling that the Norfolk Hawker is slowly spreading outwards in East Kent. With records already this year in East Blean Woods, The one at work, and last year, one near Reculver, I think this species may become more common as the years pass. Its certainly seems to be giving it a go and if you live in Kent, its probably worth checking any dykes and small pools as you may get a green eyed visitor. I have taken a few Norfolk Hawker photos in the week but I still await a few special shots and I hope to get one lose enough to capture it on the Sigma 150mm macro lens. Westbere has produced some Scarce Chasers and I managed to take a number of pleasing photos of this 'scarce' dragonfly.

Scarce Chaser (immature male) 

Scarce Chaser (male)

A brief visit tonight to a site near Reculver produced a few Emperor Dragonfly and after stalking one for a bit, I managed to get close enough to capture a few photos of the ultimate Dragonfly. Hopefully I will find an individual that I an get a few flight shots of in the next few weeks.

Emperor Dragonfly (male)

With a few species to catch up on, Keeled Skimmer, White legged Damselfly, Beautiful Demoiselle and maybe a chance of finding a Southern Emerald Damselfly like I did last year at a local site, Iv'e certainly got my work cut out to visit these sites and see and photograph the species. I'm not complaining though, in fact I can't wait to get out and enjoy the dragonfly season.