With the weather warm and still early Sunday morning, I had an early morning session at Nethergong where I spent a few hours walking along the stream checking for emerging Willow Emerald Damselflies. Its been a bit of a slow start this season for them at Nethergong but with the Emerald Damselflies also emerging a little later, I suspect and hope that the Willows will start to emerge soon in better numbers. I managed to find 8 Willow Emerald Damselflies, most newly emerged and making their maiden flight from the reeds and grasses, 1 watched emerging successfully and a couple that were found resting in the grasses. I do love to find and photograph this species after it has coloured up well and shows off the diagnostic spur on the side of the thorax. With the sun quite low in the sky early morning, this gave me the chance to take a number of photos and as it was still early, a nice opportunity to get in close and take a few shots of the head and thorax. With the Summer Holidays near here for me, I hope to make a number of visits over the next few weeks to monitor how the species does this year and of course, take many photos of this species throughout their season. Also seen Sunday were c30 Emerald Damselfly, 2 Brown Hawker and a few Azure and Blue tailed Damselfly.
Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - female
Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - male
Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - female
Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - female Exuviae
Beautiful images Marc,I must try a few early Mornings,not that I would produce stunners like these.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
Many thanks John. Know the area, what's there, how to find it and get there early. No magic involved. Just a love to get those shots. No doubt you can do the same just as well.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning Marc. My favourite is the Willow Emerald Damselfly close up.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. Love the fresh markings and colours on these in the early morning sun.
DeleteSuper set as ever Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. Much appreciated. A species I intend to spend quite a bit of time with in the next few months.
DeleteSuch a joy to view these images, Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind words Wilma. Much appreciated.
DeleteYour fabulous images are whetting my appetite, Marc. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for fair weather in a couple of weeks! Best wishes - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. Hopefully their numbers will build up nicely for your visit. I will have a few sessions to see how they are doing before then.
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