Monday 6 April 2020

Two's Company!

After getting back from our family walk into the countryside late morning and with the sun starting to burn through, I thought I had better check the pond as a few nymphs looked like they were ready to emerge. After a quick scan, it was pleasing to see that 3 Large Red Damselfly had already emerged and were resting up on a few stems. It was nice to see that two of them had emerged on the same stem and were both at the top on opposite sides of the stick hiding from each other. This was too good a chance to miss and so after rushing indoors to get the camera, I was soon on my belly at the pond firing off a few pleasing shots. It was comical watching them as when one moved around, the other would do the same so they never met. Occasionally, one would move to the top to look at the other one before moving back down. It required a bit of patience and luck but I ended up with a few useable photos. I spent some time this afternoon at the pond at various points in between the gardening and birdwatching and was pleased to see a few more nymphs looking likely to emerge in the next few days. What was a surprise to see was the sight of one of the Hairy Dragonfly nymphs which has obviously made it through the winter months. It wont be to long until they emerge so I will have to keep an eye on this. I doubt like many that we will not be seeing that many dragonflies and damselflies for the next few months unless they are on our exercise walks so I am completely thankful that I have my pond to keep me well occupied. I suspect my next post will focus on more Large Red Damselfly photos taken in and around the Grape Hyacinths at the pond.
 


Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) teneral male (left) and female (right)


10 comments:

  1. Absolutely stunning the Large Red Damselflies, beautiful images Marc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Bob. It's so nice to be able to see them again and with the weather being nice at the moment, it makes it even more enjoyable.

      Delete
  2. Delightful composition; your patience was rewarded. Sorry for my lack of comments for last 6 months or so - I had enabled some privacy software that interfered with the comment process. I finally figured out that I have to disable it to comment and then I can turn it back on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Wilma. It's good to hear from you again. Hope you are well.

      Delete
  3. Wonderful captures of interesting behaviour from these fabulous creatures, Marc. I love the way that newly emerged damselflies have a built-in instinct to move round to the far side of a stem when they see movement - something I've seen many a time if I've approached too hastily!

    Looking forward to seeing some Hairy images from you.

    Best wishes - - - Richard

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Richard. Yes like you, I've witnessed this a number of times. I'm hopeful of a Hairy emergence but will have to be on guard most mornings and evenings in a week or so. Everything is crossed. Take care.

      Delete
  4. Hi Marc, Interesting post, With the weather forecast for this week I imagine you will be pretty busy. Stay safe,
    Mike.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Mike. I have to go into work for one day this week but other than that, am fairly free to watch the garden. Stay safe.

      Delete
  5. Excellent Marc. This year I am hoping a few hatch out of the pond next door!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Bob. I'm keeping a very good eye on the pond at the moment. With Hairy Dragonfly and Broad bodied Chaser in there, I'm hoping for maybe an encounter with them soon. Fingers crossed for the Large Red Damselflies emerging next door and flying into your garden for some photos.

      Delete