I Might Have Got 'That' Shot!

With the weather forecast seemingly completely wrong today with no rain, thunder and lighting, I made my way after work back to Westbere Lakes in warm sunshine but with quite a strong breeze. I thought that the wind would make for an awkward session but as it happens it actually helped out quite well. I soon found a number of Hawkers but with the help of the wind, they often got blown off their perches and spent some time flying around. This gave me the chance to make a good count and I ended up seeing 16 Norfolk Hawker, my highest total for this site and more good news to know there are a good number around. The fact they were flying more often also provided me with plenty of photo opportunities and I spent an hour trying to once again improve on my flight shots. With a number of visits behind me and plenty of 'nearly' flight shots, I finally got my reward with a few flight shots turning out quite nicely and it seemed the factors were working in my favour.

Male Norfolk Hawker

As with any photography, there are a number of factors that need to work out, in this case, a subject to photograph and parallel to the camera that shows well, good light and no reeds in the way to name a few. I don't think I will improve on the shots below and feel quite pleased with them but you never know, I will probably go back for another try.

Male Norfolk Hawker

Also seen were 3 Brown Hawker, 3 Scarce Chaser, 5 Black tailed Skimmer and plenty of Banded Demoiselles and 'Blue' damselflies. Hopefully out Sunday as it looks better weather wise where I may go and have a look for some Willow Emerald Damselflies, another rare national species but doing well in Kent in the past few years. Fingers crossed that some may have emerged.

Male Norfolk Hawker