It was back to Westbere Lakes after work yesterday in the warm sunshine where the challenge was to try to improve on my flight shots of the Norfolk Hawkers. It wasn't long until I found 10+ Norfolk Hawkers in their usual area in the dykes just before the river. Some are looking a bit worn now but there were still plenty in excellent condition chasing each other around. I found a few individuals flying up and down and despite a few flight shots taken, I still haven't got the shot I would like but that's part of the fun I suppose and at least gives me an excuse to go back again. Whilst looking around I found a smart female resting up and took a number of shots of her before she moved off and was seen ovipositing providing another shot. More searching provided a mating pair and although a little far away, the Canon f4 300mm lens did a good job. I continued looking and found a few where I just sat and watched them for a while going about their business, sometimes up to 4 together chasing each other over the reeds before return to their patch. I also glimpsed a Brown Hawker I think but I will have to wait for another session to get a better view of this species. What was worrying though was the sight of a dinner plate sized terrapin in the dyke, I'm told there are a few in there and no doubt they will eat any dragonfly eggs and larvae they an find. Before leaving I saw a few Black tailed Skimmer, lots of Banded Demoiselle and plenty of the smaller Damselflies. A nice session with yet more Hawker shots for the archives but still missing that elusive quality flight shot. I shall continue the challenge another day.
Female Norfolk Hawker
Ovipositing Female Norfolk Hawker
Mating Norfolk Hawkers
Male Norfolk Hawker
Female Norfolk Hawker
Male Norfolk Hawker
Male Norfolk Hawker
Fabulous pics. They are definitely making themselves at home!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear how high the numbers are there. Can you send some down to Sussex please. Pretty good flight shots there as well!
ReplyDeleteQuality all round Marc, I think it will be a difficult task to better those flight shots, not enough time I think!
ReplyDeleteYou are number 1, it seems better and better, I love your photos Marc.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it the KWCA who own and manage the site as a reserve for wildlife, are particually proud of the Norfolk Hawker success story there and have made repeated attempts to trap the terrapins but so far without success. Hopefully, the number of dragonglies that you are currently seeing means that so far no lasting damage has been done.
ReplyDeleteCheers for your help with this Derek, I shall ring up and see what answers I can get with this. Saw it again this afternoon, its a bigun!
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