Tuesday 3 May 2016

The Hairy Dragonfly Emerges

For the past two years at least, I have wanted to photograph the iconic first dragonfly of the year that flies in the UK, the Hairy Dragonfly. I spent quite a bit of time last year trying to find individuals emerging early morning but only found a few exuviae of this species. I decided last winter to see if I could collect a few and rear them indoors in my indoor tank and at the right time, release them back into my garden pond ready for emergence. Like an expectant father, I have nurtured them through the winter, feeding them, changing water and observing and photographing them. I have learnt a great deal about this species but the hope was that I would be able to photograph this miracle of nature as it changes from nymph to dragonfly. Most literature I have read suggest that they emerge early morning but it was a great surprise last night when at about 9pm when I checked the pond, that I saw a nymph climbing the reed. I quickly set about getting all the equipment ready and armed with a flask, I positioned my self at the pond and settled in for what ended up to be 3 hours of watching and photographing. I was still sat in the garden at midnight but it was most definitely worth the time and effort to produce some of my finest shots yet I think. Just watching the process of emergence is truly fascinating but quite time consuming but I went to bed on cloud nine and hoped she would still be present early morning which she was. Before going to work, I took a few more shots and after she has warmed up, she made her maiden flight. Its so rewarding having had this plan and carried it through and along the way, shared the life of this secretive dragonfly through to being an adult. If I don't take any better photos this year, I will not be complaining, well I might, but I am over the moon with this set and achieved a long awaited challenge.











Hairy Dragonfly Emerging (female) 


Hairy Dragonfly (female) 

24 comments:

  1. Magnificent set Marc. Well worth the time and effort getting in this secret World.

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    1. Thanks Bob. Sometimes all the factors work in your favour and you get lucky with the shots. A fantastic experience.

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  2. Perfection Marc.
    You've got your just rewards for all that waiting, well worth the effort. Really enjoyed looking at these photo's mate :-)

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    1. Thanks Warren. Chuffed with these and hopeflly a male will emerge soon. Then I will do it all again.

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  3. Wow,you must be very proud,a fantastic achievement,good on you Marc.
    John.

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    1. Many thanks John. Yes, over themoon with these.

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  4. Perfection Marc, absolutely stunning.

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    1. Many thanks Bob. A superb spectacle to witness.

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  5. A great deal of work and study to bring this impressive excersise to its very successful conclusion with just reward. Void of any patronising intent....I salute you Marc.

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    1. Many thanks for your kind words Pete. It took a bit of planning but I now have these to look back over. Now to wait for a male to emerge!!

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  6. I'm not sure it gets any better than that Marc!! The preparation, the wait, the tending to the nymphs and the constant monitoring were all worth it. The emergence at night seems to have worked in your favour. The black backdrop adds impact and contrast like nothing else! Each image is exquisite. As a series, they are awesome. Many congratulations....You deserve an early night!

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    1. Many thanks Lucy. Just sometimes it all works out and you get that reward. I don't think I improve on these much....... but I shall try.

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  7. Fantastic work Marc and fascinating images.Thank you.

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    1. Many thanks Paul for your kind words, appreciated.

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  8. Not sure if they are stunningly fantastic or fantastically stunning. Either way an amazing series to behold.

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    1. Thanks Wilma. Hopefully they show the miracle in action to a good standard.

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  9. WOW! Absolutely stunning pictures. A great event. Congratulations! The beautiful dragonfly.

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  10. Absolutely amazing pics. A big well done Marc.

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    1. Thanks for looking in Mike and taking the time to comment, appreciated.

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    1. Cheers Neil. Hopefully catch up later in the year.

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  12. Hats off to you, Marc, for a a sequence of images that tell the story with absolute perfection! Both aesthetically and technically I don't see how these could ever be beaten! I look forward to the next enlightening post from yourself.

    Thank you and best wishes - - - Richard

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    1. Many thanks Richard for your words of encouragement.

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