With the promise of lighter winds and long sunny spells for Saturday, I was up and out of the house at 6am where after a few minutes, I arrived at a site near Reculver. It was already quite warm and as I walked down the main path, damselflies were starting to already fly up from the long grasses. With the sun still being quite low, it produced some really nice lighting and I found a few Blue tailed Damselflies to photograph which turned out quite nicely.
Blue tailed Damselfly (male)
As I walked through the grasses there were lots of Common Blue, Blue tailed and Azure Damselflies still and a good showing of Common Emerald Damselflies around the area. I couldn't find any Scarce Emerald Damselfly but there was still plenty to see with plenty of Common and Ruddy Darter on the wing, numerous Emperor Dragonflies patrolling their individual areas along with Four spotted Chasers. The water was a super highway for Black tailed Skimmers with numerous pairs seen mating. I spent some time in the shallows hoping to find some Migrant Hawker nymphs but no joy on this occasion but maybe next time I might find one to observe and photograph. I could spent all day at this site as there is always something to look at and you never know also what might turn up. With the morning heating up nicely I drove the few minutes over to Reculver to see if any Willow Emerald Damselflies could be found. I spent an hour here and after a good search, managed to find 5 Willow Emerald Damselfly resting up in the grasses and on the trees. A few were nice and low and gave me the chance to rattle off a number of images of this cracking species.
Willow Emerald Damselfly (female)
Willow Emerald Damselfly (male)
I do find that a nice subtle green background really shows off this species well but as is often the case, you have to take what you can but I was still pleased with the quality of the images. There were plenty of Common Blue Damselfly here along with a few Black tailed Skimmer and a bonus Brown Hawker which of course didn't even think about landing! Only one week left at work to go now but with Sports Day/week to go, I expect it will be a busy one so I may not be able to get out, but if the weather is nice and sunny, I will sure give it a go. Hopefully the holidays will bring me a few outings in nice weather to capture a few more species.
Willow Emerald Damselfly (female)
Gorgeous images again Marc. I still have never managed to see the Willow. The female looks particularly nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob. Good numbers out now for a while. Take a trip to Kent to see them.
DeleteWow, the close up of the Willow Emerald is a bit special Marc, you're still well out in front.
ReplyDeleteThanks Derek. I like that one too. I think the background sets if off quite nicely and captures the detail well.
DeleteNext week will drag Marc!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if i'll get to see Willow Emerald Damsels, not likely here! Are they as co-operative as the Common Emeralds Marc?
I hope not Warren. Wish I had finished already. Hopefully it will whizz by. With a bit of patience and slow moving, you can get very close to them for some shots. They are spreading so you never know, keep looking.
DeleteBlue-tailed Damselflies turned out quite nicely....I'll say Marc, and the rest turned out quite nicely too, which I upgraded to turned out excellent.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Pete and thanks for your kind words.
DeleteThe Willow Emerald Damselflies are best, you send it Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob.
DeleteAmazing eye detail.
ReplyDeleteJohn.