Monday 16 April 2018

Amongst the Grape Hyacinths

With some warm sunshine yesterday (Sunday) afternoon in east Kent, I spent an hour at my garden pond where there are currently a few Large Red Damselflies resting up in some of the reeds. As I have mentioned before, the pond as well as a suitable habitat for a few species that I have reared in there over the past few years is also set up for photography and this time of year produces Grape Hyacinths which are growing to the side of the pond. These plants produce some superb colours against the damselfly and I managed to find a male resting up which gave me the perfect opportunity to lay down and spend some time taking a number of photos. As readers of my website and blog will know, I am always striving to improve on my shots from year to year and having waited all through the winter months for the season to arrive, I was keen to make the most of this time while the damselflies and Grape Hyacinths are at their peak condition. Whilst I have taken many photos of this species, I personally feel that these are my best attempts to date. The colours of the Grape Hyacinths contrasting with the Large Red Damselfly work really well in my opinion and with the subtle colours of them in the background, make for some pleasing photos. I hope there will be a few more attempts with this colourful species in the next few weeks but I think I may well struggle to raise the bar and better these.
 








Large Red Damselfly (male)


14 comments:

  1. O my, isn't it beautiful Marc. Love them so much.

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    1. Many thanks Bob. Really pleased with this set. Makes me feel like the warmer weather is here when I see these warm colours.

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  2. So rich with color and detail.

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    1. Many thanks Wilma. Nice to photograph them when they are fresh, especially those wings.

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  3. Once again, excellent work, Marc.

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    1. Many thanks Mike. A good start to the season for the camera.

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    1. Many thanks Johnny for your visit and comment. Much appreciated.

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  5. Absolutely magical, Marc! Great work. I've got the Grape Hyacinth, but no pond! Not managed any odonata yet this year, but intend to check out a site or two tomorrow - I hope we get the hot day that's forecast!

    Best wishes - - - Richard

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    1. Many thanks Richard. Quite a few down south being reported now. Had a few more emerge the past few days and one even emerging tonight at 7pm, never had that before. Hope you find a few on the next couple of days.

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    1. Many thanks Maria for your visit and comment. Much appreciated. I think the colours work pretty well together.

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  7. Excellente macro..Pretty pictures .. Good weekend

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