With some nice warm sunshine forecast for yesterday, I decided to spend a few hours at Nethergong and then make the very brief drive over to Grove Ferry to see what was about. Arriving at Nethergong at 9.30am, it wasn't long until I found the first of 7 Norfolk Hawkers flying around in the sunshine where they would sometimes settle once they had caught some prey which allowed me to go into stealth mode and slowly creep up to obtain a few images with the camera.
Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isosceles) - male
I am hopeful as the habitat looks good here that a few will egg lay in the ditches and continue the expansion of this species in east Kent. Also seen were a few Emperor Dragonfly and Black tailed Skimmer as well as the first teneral Ruddy Darters. Around 11am, I then drove over to Grove Ferry for a couple of hours where there was plenty to see and keep me occupied. In around 2 hours, I managed to find c20 Norfolk Hawkers with many males patrolling suitable ditches waiting for passing females of which a couple were seen. I spent a while taking a number of images as various males showed well in the reeds as well as just studying the detail and markings on this species. Occasionally I would pull myself away and look what else was on offer which included a couple of Hairy Dragonfly, 3 Emperor Dragonfly, the odd Black tailed Skimmer and Four spotted Chaser. Damselflies were represented by numerous Blue tailed, Variable and Azure Damselflies with lesser numbers of Red eyed Damselflies present. Another pleasant session monitoring the Norfolk Hawkers in east Kent and with others being seen at Westbere Lakes and East Blean Woods, it does seem that 2019 has so far been a successful season for them again. It's only a couple of weeks until another favourite of mine, the Willow Emerald Damselfly is on the wing and along with the hopeful Southern Migrant Hawkers, July could well be a busy month.
Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isosceles) - male
The Norfolk Hawker is in a class of its own, beautiful photos Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. They certainly are a species I have loved to spend time with.
DeleteA quick question, is Nethergong a publicly accessible site? Would love to visit there.
ReplyDeleteThanks
It's a private campsite that anyone can book to camp there but I suspect, if you visited when I was on site, I could probably take you around. It's certainly an excellent site. Willow Emerald Damselflies should emerge in a few weeks time.
DeleteMarc: many thanks for the reply. I have passed through the area many times, and not really noticed a reserve, or much else. Maybe I will one day, for now orchids and work take most of my spare time. But, love seeing your shots and have learned so much from them and your posts.
DeleteSuperb Marc. I did see 2 NH flying around the car-park at East Blean when I was there, but as normal they didn't settle. Good to see them though!!
ReplyDeleteAnother trip is needed it seems to your neck of the woods for these beauties!!
I'm glad you at least connected with the Hawkers in EBW's. Look forward to seeing your Heath Fritillary photos.
DeleteHi Marc, Awesome pictures as the norm.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant photos as usual Marc you certainly seemed to have nailed Odanata techniques.
ReplyDeleteFabulous images as always from you, Marc.
ReplyDeleteHad to cancel my trip to Norfolk for the hawkers last week for health reasons, but keeping a weather-eye open for the possibility of a couple of nights there later this week. Also keeping my fingers crossed for the weather for three days booked for Thursley/New Forest 2nd week in August!
With my very best wishes - - - Richard
So glad I found your blog.. stunning photos.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Julie.
DeleteBeautiful, really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of this Early glazier are super amazing !!!
I have not seen them yet but I enjoy double here with you.
Greetings, Helma