August continued where July had left off with a few more visits to Oare Marshes to see and photograph the newly found Southern Migrant Hawkers which were to be seen in good numbers. With some patience required, I was able to grab a few images of this striking dragonfly.
Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) - male
The rest of August was mostly spent enjoying some time with the Willow Emerald Damselflies which were around in good numbers and it looks like they have had a good season once again at Nethergong.
Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - male
Another interesting observation noted was a male Emerald Damselfly in tandem with a female Willow Emerald Damselfly. Whilst I have seen this before, it was nice to be able to capture this on the camera.
Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa) - male in tandem with a Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - female
Late August saw the family making a week long trip down to Cornwall which was good and a chance to visit a reserve near Bodmin to see a few dragonflies. On my radar was the Common Hawker which we do not have in Kent and my only sightings have been brief sightings at Thursley Common. On a sunny afternoon, I was able to get my first real opportunities to watch this species and even better, a male landed nearby enabling me to stalk it quietly and grab a few images.
Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea) - male
Back in Kent and September was spent photographing yet more Willow Emerald Damselflies and by now, the Migrant Hawkers are starting to appear in good numbers which normally provide a good challenge for the camera.
Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - mating pair
Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis) - male
A good couple of months again with some nice weather, much to see, study and photograph. The next instalment will see the season drawing to a close through October and November.
Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) - male
Oh really nice, all of them are beautiful, I love them all.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. I do love the colours on the Southern Migrant Hawkers. Truly superb to see and photograph in good light.
DeleteBeautiful. How do you keep them so still while you photograph them. I'm good but you are superb.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Mike. Just have to move in slowly and hope they stay around. Some species are much easier than others to approach.
Deletereally beautiful shots.
ReplyDeletehave a great day
Many thanks for your kind words Tanza. Much appreciated.
DeleteWhat a splendid year you had with your odo photography, Marc! You've set the standard that others, me included, will have to work hard to even get near to. Congratulations, and best wishes - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. Your kind words of encouragement have been very nice. It's been a good year as you say and I think I have produced a few decent images. Hopefully next year will deliver some more good experiences to enjoy.
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