Having netted my first Southern Hawker nymphs last weekend from Grove Ferry, the afternoon was spent photographing both individuals (25mm and 35mm) at home in my indoor tank before returning them back to where I had found them to Grove Ferry. Although thoroughly enjoyable, it can be a painstaking experience to capture the required photos of the species to show the relevant features off, but its often well worth it in the end. I often spend up to a couple of hours photographing the nymphs from various angles but also making the time to study them myself to progress my learning. Quite often, the hawkers when they have found a resting position on some weed will stay there for a while allowing me to fire off shot after shot before checking the photos. Thankfully, the 35mm Southern Hawker nymph performed well and only needed a little coaxing to move into new positions to show off the different features. This morning I made another visit to Grove Ferry where I specifically wanted to target an area for Black tailed Skimmer nymphs. Luck was on my side as I netted 2 individuals, one being almost full grown which was brought back home for a photography session this afternoon before being returned back to its pool at Grove Ferry. I will hopefully post these photos during the week once I have edited them. Although the dragonfly and damselfly season has a while to go yet before the first emergence, I must admit, I'm really enjoying the education of finding and photographing some of the local species.
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph - top view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph - top view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph - side view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph showing head and thorax
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph - side view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph showing head shape
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph - head
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph - top view
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph showing long and slender labial mask
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) nymph showing tip shape to the epiproct
Your images just get better and better, Marc. All the work you put into these studies is much appreciated - thank you.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. I do love spending the time after a cold morning photograping in the comfort of my warm conservatory. Nice to be able to see the features well at first hand.
DeleteI agree with Richard, wow.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. Nice to capture these fascinating nymphs for all the see and appreciate.
DeleteI think you must be on another planet to get images like that. Incredible!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Mike. I think I'm on planet patience as often they take quite a while to achieve. Well worth it though as hopefully it gives others and myself the chance to enjoy and learn.
DeleteFab images Marc
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Johnny. Keeping me interested through these quieter times. Can't wait to get back out at the weekend with the net.
Deleteincredible images. Great works.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you: "I'm really enjoying the education of finding and photographing some of the local species."
Many thanks Tanza. No too long now until the season will really start. In the mean time, a few more dipping sessions yet I think.
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