2018 is turning out to be a cracking year for me in terms of photographing odonata and collecting new exuviae but surely it couldn't get any better could it? well yes it could actually. With news of the first Southern Migrant Hawkers emerging in the ditches at Canvey Island, Essex, I made a trip there a few days ago in the hope of maybe seeing some emerging and was hopeful that I may be able to collect a few exuviae which would be new for my collection. After arriving, I made the short walk to the ditch which runs parallel to Canvey Way and is also opposite the Recycling Centre and spent the next few hours searching the edges of the ditch. Amazingly, I managed to see 53 SOUTHERN MIGRANT HAWKERS all making their maiden flights from the reeds in the ditch where they then flew out over the bank onto the saltmarsh. A good search of the reeds not only produced a dozen or so exuviae which were collected but I even managed to see and photograph a couple of Southern Migrant Hawkers which had just emerged and were still clinging onto their exuviae.
Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) - Newly Emerged Male
Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) - Exuviae
I never thought this year I would be in this position to photograph this sight but I made the most of it and also took some time to just sit back and study them at close range. It really was some sight as I walked past the reeds and every few steps, they would rise from the reeds and be off over the bank.
Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) - Newly Emerged Female
Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) - Newly Emerged Male
Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) - Exuviae
I would suspect there are still a good number to emerge from this site as the habitat looks great and hopefully they will continue their spread... ideally into Kent more where I hope to see some this year. I would imagine in a week or two that they will be returning back to the sight as mature adults to start the cycle over again. This is one stunning dragonfly that has to be seen and I hope to return back again in the first week or so of July to photograph the electric blue males on territory. Not only were there good numbers of Southern Migrant Hawkers seen but I also managed to see c200 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, c50 Ruddy Darter seen along with a few of their exuviae collected, 1 Black tailed Skimmer and a few Azure and Blue tailed Damselfly. A cracking session and another privilege to see and photograph this national rarity.
Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) - teneral male
Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) - teneral female
Amazing pictures Marc, just amazing.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Mike. A sight I really didn't think I would see for a long while, if at all. Pleased to see them but to photograph them with their exuviae was the icing on the cake.
DeleteBeautiful images Marc, and I love the Southern Migrant Hawker.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. Can't wait to go back to see the mature males. Their colours are something else.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning images Marc,love the sharp detail,your photography is superb.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind words. It's taken a bit of practice but some of the rewards are worthwhile.
DeleteFantastic photos!
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Maria
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Many thanks Maria. A real privilege to be able to see them emerging.
DeleteBrilliant day out !!!! Fab images, as expected Marc. Looking forward to see what you capture when they fully mature.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Johnny. Another superb trip it must be said. Can't wait to get back there in a few weeks hopefully.
DeleteHow many!!!!! I'm amazed at you seeing so many of what I think of as a rare dragon. Wonderful images, Marc. I too am looking forward to shots of the mature dragons from you.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. Certainly a brilliant experience to see this number. Think they could be well established soon.
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