Thursday 2 July 2015

Midweek Visit Delivers!

With very warm temperatures throughout most of the week but a busy week at work, I have only been able to make a brief visit out where on Tuesday I called into a private site south of Reculver for an hour or so. It was alive with dragonflies and damselflies. Four spotted Chasers were all around with 1 Broad bodied Chaser noted, Emperor Dragonflies seemed to fill every part of the pools, Black tailed Skimmers rushed out all over the water with mating pairs seen everywhere, Common and Ruddy Darter sat up on their perches over the water but I couldn't find any Red veined Darters.

Four spotted Chaser

A search of the sedges produced 3 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 2 males and a female which gave me the chance of a few photos.


Scarce Emerald Damselfly (male)

With so much to look at and photograph, I didn't know where to point the camera but an Emperor Dragonfly posed nicely and I tried for a few flight shots but the light was just the wrong angle for a nice shot but a few turned out alright.



Emperor Dragonfly (male)

I will try for another Emperor flight shot soon I hope as this species eludes me in flight. Part of this next bit may be made up...........! As I scanned the water an Emperor flew by at speed chasing another dragonfly. It was only a male LESSER EMPEROR DRAGONFLY. I found one here last year so it was nice to find another of these rarities. It didn't stop by for long and only made a few passes. This might be the made up bit coming..... At this point my young daughter appeared, took the camera off me and took a series of appalling out of focus shots of the Lesser Emperor Dragonfly as it flew by at speed.

Lesser Emperor Dragonfly (male)

Unlike many other Hawkers, they don't seem to stop much so the photos obtained were not that good. If only I could have taken them, they may have come out useable!!!!!!! It seemed to then disappear but I hope it may remain in the area for a while so I can have a proper attempt at it. Despite the short session, lots to be seen and photographed and chuffed to have found the Lesser Emperor Dragonfly. Hopefully an outing over the weekend where weather permitting, I might have my first look locally for Willow Emerald Damselflies. They should be around very soon.

Broad bodied Chaser (female)

21 comments:

  1. Cracking photos Marc, really excellent. Can I ask what lens you use for the Dragons & Damsels close-ups?

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    1. Many thanks Ron. For the close ups, I use a Canon 7d mk 1 with a Sigma 150mm macro lens, a superb lens in my opinion.

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    1. Many thanks Ian. I quite like the Four spotted Chaser shot.

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  3. Such clear detail. Well, all but one ...

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    1. Many thanks Wilma for highlighting that out for me. Hopefully I can rectify the shot if I see I t again.

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  4. Love the Scarce Emerald shots Marc. Good luck with the Lesser Emperor.

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    1. Thanks Bob. A nice subject to photograph.

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  5. Great photos as usual Marc and particualy great that you are encouraging your youngster to take part in wildlife adventures, unlike some.

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  6. Not quite sure what to say Derek. Firstly thanks for the comment on the photos. Secondly, that was the made up bit about my daughter being there. My photo was so bad I had to blame someone else!! She wasn't even there. As for getting youngsters involved, I will say having a pond in the garden has really encouraged the girls to look and learn about the various types of wildlife we get there.

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  7. Such amazing captures of these Dragonflies. Those details are great to see how they look. My compliments Marc!

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  8. Nice one Marc :-) I'll have to take my wife out more, then I can blame her for any crap shots ;-) Good luck with the L. E. anyway :-)

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    1. Cheers Warren. No sign tonight in a 2 hour search but it was quite windy keeping stuff pretty low. Hopefully it may appear again.

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  9. Oh, those are beeeeeeeaaautiful Marc. You're work is excellent.

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  10. Stunning shots as ever Mark...keep em coming mate!!

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    1. Many thanks Paul. Nice to others get as much pleasure as I do taking them.

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  11. A fabulous series again !
    You L. depressa photo is a killer!
    I also saw a A. parthenope flying over my lake a week ago for the first time ever, but I didn't even come close to take a pic like your daughter's... I didn't have my camera then! LOL!
    Great shot too of the L. quadrimaculata!
    Have you ever come across a preanubilia?

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