Monday 26 August 2019

Down at the Stream

Having returned today from three days camping at Nethergong with friends where we had a great time doing walks, a boat trip at Grove Ferry, plenty of fishing and generally chilling and relaxing, I also made the time each day for a quiet walk to look and photograph the dragonflies on site, specifically the Willow Emerald Damselfly. In my opinion which might be biased, I believe that Nethergong is the premier site in the UK to see this species in excellent numbers and nearly counting 400 in one session last week, I don't think many can argue with my statement. I made a walk each day around early afternoon around parts of the site where I managed to easily see 100+ and yesterday (Sunday), I counted 168 Willow Emerald Damselfly on the North and east section alone. However, on this visit and with temperatures in to the 30's, I decided each day to also spend some time sitting at one spot at the side of the stream where a plant was hanging out over part of the stream. I noticed that as the Willow Emerald Damselflies flew past each time in tandem, they would normally always stop at this plant and attempt to egg lay before flying further up the stream. I made myself comfortable and settled in and counted many pairs in tandem passing this spot. As I was already in position, I didn't really need to move much and so was tolerated easier, and as each pair landed, I took a number of photos of them before they then flew on. It was quite noticeable that the male initially would instigate the female to egg lay by drawing his abdomen up and then she would start to oviposit but when the female had had enough, she seemed to briefly flap her wings to let the male know it was time to move on. I noticed this in a number of pairs. As well as the Willow Emerald Damselflies passing by, there plenty of Ruddy and Common Darters as well as a few Common Blue Damselfly, Blue tailed Damselfly, Emerald Damselfly, 1 Brown Hawker and a few Migrant Hawkers. Sometimes, it just pays to just sit back and watch and let nature happen around you. Something I don't do enough of but I most certainly enjoyed this method in the past few days. With plenty more photos taken of the Willow Emerald Damselflies during the weekend, I'm sure another post will follow shortly in the next few days to showcase these amazing little Damselflies.
 






Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - tandem / ovipositing pairs


10 comments:

  1. I love the way they reproduced their baby, cheers Marc.

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    1. Unique in that they lay their eggs in the branches of certain trees and bushes above water unlike many other Damselflies which lay their eggs already in the water.

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  2. Great informationto accompany your super shots. Marc. In this heat, sitting still and letting the world come to you is definitely a good policy! And it certainly paid off in your case. Best wishes - - - Richard

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    1. Many thanks Richard. I should do this more often. Interesting watching the different species go about their busy lives.

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  3. Hello Marc, not knowing much about Damselflies or Dagonflies it is always wonderful to see your blog. I do take photos of these delicate creatures but know noting about it. But when I get the change I make captures of them. Also your photos are so clear and beautyful it is amazing. My compliments.
    Thank you also for your reaction on my latest blog with the Bittern. I do appreciate that very much.
    Regards,
    Roos

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    1. Many thanks Roos for your kind words and comment. Much appreciated.

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  4. interesting process of reproduction...
    great shots

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    1. Many thanks Tanza. Certainly is an interesting way. There were many pairs in tandem providing quite a spectacle as they flew down the stream in tandem.

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  5. Hello marc,
    what a luxury to be able to share these beautiful photos.
    You have really beautifully gifted these beautiful wood armored damsels. It is always enjoyment on your blog with these photos.

    Kind regards, Helma

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    1. Many thanks for your kind words Pete and comment Helma. Much appreciated.

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