After a handful of unsuccessful visits since the beginning of June to Westbere Lakes to see if any Norfolk Hawkers had emerged, I made another visit after work tonight in warm conditions but with a stiff breeze. At the entrance I noted 1 Hairy Dragonfly along with good numbers of Variable, Azure and Blue tailed Damselflies. I then walked up to the dyke near the river where initially I could not see any sign of any Norfolk Hawkers despite a good search of the area. I continued on along the river where I saw a few Black tailed Skimmer and 3 Scarce Chaser. About 400 yards along the river path, I spent some time watching a number of Banded Demoiselle when I caught sight of 2 Norfolk Hawker flying around over the river. What a brilliant result to have these nationally rare dragonflies back flying in East Kent. They spent most of their time flying low over the water and landing in the reeds where I was able to get nice views through the binoculars, the fresh wings glimmering in the sunlight and the green eyes standing out well. They were too far for any photos and with foliage in the way, I just enjoyed watching them. Happy with this result, I walked back the way I had come and back down to the dyke to check again. As I walked down I saw a Hairy Dragonfly and chasing it was a Norfolk Hawker. This time it come back and landed a little nearer. This time it was in range of the camera and I was able to take a few photos using the Canon f4 300mm lens. Occasionally it would fly up and then I noticed it was joined by another, thats 4 NORFOLK HAWKERS seen today at Westbere. They all appeared to be males and I spent some more time watching and taking a few photos which turned out quite pleasing. Hopefully as the days and weeks go on, I will get a number of chances to photograph them with the Sigma 150mm macro lens and capture some nice detailed images. I would imagine their numbers will build up now so a visit in the next few weeks should give you some nice views of this stunning species. A great rewarding session and a good day when you see a Norfolk Hawker in Kent!
Norfolk Hawker (male)
Kent is where it's all happening,must pay a visit next year.
ReplyDeleteI'll leave Sue to plan it.
John.
Its certainly quite a good county for dragonflies. Hopefully a few more good species will appear as the season progresses....... and hopefully I will be able to see and photograph them.
DeleteI caught up with the Beautiful Demoiselle at Pittswood and Scarce Chaser at Westbere (both new for me) with Warren Baker. But the Norfolk Hawkers were 5 days too late for me sadly.
ReplyDeleteAlways enjoy visiting your site and the images are sublime. Have to admire the time you put into some of your larvae projects which have all been astounding. Keep it coming.
John
Many thanks John for your kind words. If you can get down to Westbere in the next 3 weeks, I would assume you can see this rare dragonfly for yourself.
Deletebeautiful how the hindwings are highlighted with bronze along where they are notched out around what looks to be the base of the abdomen.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are a striking Hawker Wilma, often perching a lot to rest and quite a bit of hovering as well giving the chance of some flight shots. Something to try in the next few sessions.
DeleteSuper shots Marc.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ian, particularly nice to see and photograph a rare species near to home.
DeleteMost wonderful captures of this beauty!
ReplyDeleteCheers Roos, they seem to be slowly spreading in this part of East Kent. Hopefully the sign of things to come.
DeleteA great start Marc , I know there will be more from you. Will pay a visit on a nice sunny still day soon !! Maybe even catch up with you after work ?
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike, you know me well and I will I'm sure be back to get some stunners. Happy to meet up with you if you come down for a session.
DeleteInformative post - good to hear Norfolk Hawkers are the right side of the Thames - think I might have to check out Westbere and see my first NH. Is the area where the NH are easy to find?
ReplyDelete