The morning started at 5.30am where I had a quick drive around the western end of Reculver but failed to hear any Nightingales. I then parked up at Reculver where I walked down to Coldharbour and inland to Chambers Wall and back the way I had come. It was quite cloudy at times but the sun broke through on numerous occasions and although chilly, it was quite pleasant to be out. Other than the common species I didn't see that much, the highlights being 2 Wheatear, 3 Eider east, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling near Chambers Wall crossing, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Tern, 24 Sandwich Tern, 2 Grey Partridge and 11 Swallow. With the sun shining still around 10am I thought I would drive inland at Reculver to look for some dragonflies and damselflies. Initially on arrival I was not that hopeful as it was quite cold but a scan of the grass revealed a teneral Common Blue Damselfly. This was the chance to bring in the new present, the Manfrotto monopod and it was very helpful indeed with keeping the camera steady. Whilst taking a few shots I soon noticed others in the grass at rest and with this in mind set about seeing if I could find any emerging. After some searching I finally saw a Common Blue Damselfly emerging. I was a little late and didn't see it from the start but for c30 minutes I sat and watched as gradually the damselfly made it first appearance as an adult and started to pump its body and grow in size. I have seen photos and read about this but what a brilliant sight and education to watch this at first hand and see the wings develop. As ever the camera was in action and I managed to take a number of shots of the emergence.
Common Blue Damselfly Emerging
Time beat me in the end and I hope that the damselfly made its solo flight safely. A walk back to the car produced c30 Common Blue Damselflies, all I assume freshly emerged taking their first flights and a couple of mature Common Blue Damselflies as well.
Teneral Common Blue Damselfly
Also of note were 2 Red eyed Damselflies but there didn't hang around for any photos. My interest for dragonflies and damselflies continues to grow and with today's experience and the success with the camera and monopod, I look forward to the next session. A day in tomorrow but I took a number of shots of the Common Blue Damselflies when some had already emerged and were at rest. These I shall post tomorrow.
Teneral Common Blue Damselfly
Common Blue Exuvia
Great series of pics Marc, capturing a rarely seen event.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful event, not everyone has seen it, I haven't.
ReplyDeletegreat shots
ReplyDeleteMark ,
ReplyDeleteI agree completely , an amazing experience to witness .
A few years ago , I spent two and a half hours watching / photographing a Black-tailed Skimmer emerge , pump up , dry out and make it's maiden flight .
Luckily it was on a private lake , so I was able to leave the tripod in position and have a walk around with the camera , returning every 10 minutes or so to take the next shot in the sequence . Nice macro shots .
Cracking set of photos Marc! There has been a mass emergence of these at my local gravel pits this week too!
ReplyDeleteTop notch images Marc, well done! A brilliant piece of wildlife work :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots and blog Marc. Belated Happy Birthday I am sure you will grow to appreciate the Manfrotto monopod i certainly do....comes in really handy as a walking pole when you get older ..ha ha
ReplyDelete