Wednesday 13 September 2017

A Willow Catch Up

Its seems to have been another good year for the local Willow Emerald Damselflies at Nethergong with well over 200 individuals noted in my observations, probably many more. I have mainly monitored one particular ditch for this species which uniquely egg lays in stinging nettle stems but of late, have ventured to have a good look at a nearby ditch which unsurprisingly has yielded more Willow Emerald Damselflies and an excellent number of gall marks noted on the overhanging willow trees, hawthorn and dog rose bushes. This all looks good for next year and I have no doubt that this colony has continued to spread out throughout the local area to form other colonies. I shall make it a mission of mine next year to wander further around these areas to see how successful this species continues to be. Its also really good to hear that they have been seen at a few new sites in west Kent as observers get more familiar with this species. There's not many sessions I make where the camera doesn't come out and I often find myself happily snapping away at this species knowing that although spreading well, I am still a very lucky person to have such a good sized colony to study and photograph on my doorstep. Hopefully the autumnal weather will allow a few more weekend visits for me to enjoy the delights this species has to offer.   


Willow Emerald Damselfly (female) 





Willow Emerald Damselfly Up Close (female) 

10 comments:

  1. Hi Marc. Lovely photos as usual, well done. I found one at Tilmanstone, at least 200 metres from the nearest pond.!

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    1. Many thanks Bill for your visit and comment. Like many damselflies, they do wander well away from water. Well done on your find.

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  2. Stunning shots Marc of Willow Emerald Damselfly.

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  3. Super shots again, Marc. It's great to see the fine details of the species. Keep up the good work, and good luck with the weekend weather!

    Best wishes - - - Richard

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    1. Many thanks Richard. Pencil next year in the diary to come down to see them for yourself.

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    2. Thank you, Marc. I'll do that. Nearly contacted you this year on this. As Nethergong's a camping site, I looked into their static offerings, but held back because my camping days are over. I need to find other accommodation, but then there's the problem of access if I'm not a resident.

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  4. Incredible shots, excellent detail. Marc.

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  5. Amazing always love looking at your work.

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