I have had a few visits to Westbere Lakes in the past week when the weather has allowed where I have managed to see 2 Norfolk Hawkers patrolling a small area along the river. The dykes however where in the past few years a good number have been seen have yet to get going, despite a good search when I have passed. I hope they return here as it seems to be getting a bit overgrown with reed and slowly getting choked and if its not managed, it will only take a few years until this national rarity may be lost. Its been managed well so far so fingers crossed, during the winter time that the dykes are opened up and cleared a little. I spent a couple of hours this afternoon walking up to and along the river for a while in warm sunshine where I noted 1 Norfolk Hawker which spent its time patrolling a small area and often perched up on the reeds. For most of its time it was out of camera reach for anything decent but on one occasion, it did come nearer and perched up nicely on a reed where with a bit of stalking, I was able to grab my first pleasing image of the year of this species.
Norfolk Hawker (male)
Hopefully the first of many to come in the next few weeks. Also in the area were 5 Scarce Chaser including 3 males which posed nicely on the reeds as they looked over their territory. This is again another species which seems to be in lower numbers this year at Westbere. The dykes that they patrol have really grown over and I just hope that again, areas are maintained for this species. Whilst I was photographing a showy male Scarce Chaser, I found something I have been looking for, for a few years now, a Scarce Chaser exuviae which was hanging on to a reed. I carefully removed and will photograph and post in due coarse.
Scarce Chaser (male)
As I walked back I noted a few Banded Demoiselle, Blue tailed, Azure and Variable Damselfly along with 3 Hairy Dragonfly. A nice session and great to get the camera in action again, hopefully in the next week or so, the Norfolk Hawkers will appear in the dykes and give crippling views for the camera.
Scarce Chaser (male)
What a beautiful Dragonfly, well, both of them are splendid. Thanks Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob.
DeleteWell it's good to see someone getting some Dragonfly action Marc! late afternoon visits for me aren't often possible.
ReplyDeleteIts the only time ofvthe week that I can get out. Gotta take what I can but not complaining when its sunny and the dragons show well.
DeleteGet the tools out Marc, I'll try to get a gang together and come down to do the management work on the ditches.
ReplyDeleteAnother excellent account and images Marc.
Thanks Pete. Hopefully the management there will see the problem and do some cutting in the winter months. Either that or maybe I will come across some people there who know who I can speak too.
DeleteNice post and blog Marc. Popped in late this afternoon( when we were 1-0 down to Wales) with a few others. Only had my 100mm macro so not good but record shots.Saw 3 different Norfolk's, Dave Bushell managed to have a pair mating and on my way out managed to see a female ovipositing in the first bit of the dykes on the left as you walk in. Also one male Hairy which did its best to upset the posing Norfolk's. Looks like its started to kick off. Looking at my records it was very good on 16th June last year too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you connected Mike. I suspect the next few weeks will see them peak there. Hopefully a few good weather days to come soon.
DeleteGreat images, as always, Marc. Seeing either of these two species would make my day as both would be lifers.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes - - - Richard
Cheers Richard. They are both cracking dragonflies, the Norfolk Hawkers should be around for a few weeks yet I hope. Gotta get my fix with the camera soon.
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