Wednesday 25 May 2016

Scarce Chasers at Westbere

I called into Westbere Lakes after work yesterday (Tuesday) where I spent 2 hours having a stroll up to the river and then west along the river towards Fordwich for a while. Although sunny and quite warm, there was a brisk wind but as ever, plenty of sheltered areas where found which held quite a bit for me to look at and photograph. Walking up to the river revealed 2 male Hairy Dragonflies which patrolled over the path just above ground level but they never perched and hundreds of Variable and Azure Damselflies with a few Red eyed Damselflies noted. I will have to have a few sessions just photographing damselflies as my main attention was trying to find Scarce Chasers and obtaining a few usable images of them. I can remember years where the Scarce Chaser was everywhere down here and although not at their peak yet, I only managed to find 5 Scarce Chaser. I would have thought that there would have been quite a few more but I suppose I only checked a few areas and it was quite late in the day. Another visit required to see if their numbers are growing I believe soon. I did find a few though and as ever, they can often show well, returning to the same perches to check their territory and watch out for prey. I ended up with some pleasing images of this striking species. Another species not out in any numbers yet is the Banded Demoiselle. Only a few were seen along the river but I hope in a week or so, they should be out in their hundreds. Weather permitting, hopefully a visit on Saturday to my good friend Warren Baker of 'Pittswood Birds' fame to catch up with a few species I do not get in this part of east Kent, namely Beautiful Demoiselle and White legged Damselfly and maybe a bonus Downy Emerald if we are lucky. Fingers crossed for that weather then and a bit of luck hopefully.


Scarce Chaser (female) 





Scarce Chaser (immature male)

10 comments:

  1. What a beautiful dragonfly! It is rare here in Finland. I've never seen it.

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    1. Many thanks Anne. Nationally, a scarce dragonfly here in the UK but can be numerous in areas locally.

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  2. What fantastic captures,one of my favourites.
    Hope you have great weekend.
    John and Sue.

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    1. Many thanks. Certainly striking to look at in good light. A great dragonfly which can give good time to allow a close approach to be studied.

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  3. I'm down next week in your neck of the woods and will, hopefully, team up with Warren for a trip down to Westbere. He showed me around his patch last year and gave me my first ever Beautiful. Great lad. Hope you get your target species on Saturday and fingers crossed for the weather.

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    1. I hope their numbers build up a little as they are literally quite 'scarce'at the moment. A great place to visit and in a few weeks, Norfolk Hawker should also be on the wing.

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  4. Superb shots Marc. A dragonfly that's always good to get early in the season before they bash each other around!!

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    1. Thanks Bob. Won't be long until they mature up. Hard to believe its nearly June already.

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  5. I've never seen this species, Marc, but your fabulous images have raised it high on my 'wanted' list!

    If you happen to have time after Whixall, and have still not achieved White-legged, I have a site near me (about 7 miles away) which I will check out in advance.

    Best wishes - - - - Richard

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    1. Thanks Richard. I would imagine if I get my target species that I would head back homeward. Everything still crossed for good weather.

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