With the last of the warm sunny days for the time being yesterday (Saturday), I had a walk again at Westbere Lakes to see what could be found. I spent most of the time walking up to the river and then west towards Fordwich before returning the way I had came. There were quite a few other people out also having their exercise which proved challenging, especially if I wanted to photograph anything near the path, so a few chances were definitely missed. It was still lovely to be out and my challenges for the day was to try to photograph a male Hairy Dragonfly and a male Banded Demoiselle. I don't seem to be having much luck on the Hairy front and despite seeing 7 Hairy Dragonfly, none were seen to perch. This swayed my attention to the Banded Demoiselle of which I saw about 10. They are normally very skittish and this proved the case again as time and time again, I stalked them only for them to fly off just as I was about to get a photograph. Perseverance is a powerful tool in this game and eventually I was rewarded with a superb male Banded Demoiselle which posed beautifully for a short time and allowed me to fire off a few shots and appreciate those lovely colours. As I was off the pathway, I didn't have to worry about others passing and it was just a delight in the warm sunshine to be studying this beauty at close range. They are certainly a species I look forward to seeing every year. With some shots taken, I made my way back to the car where on the way I managed to see a few Variable, Azure, Blue tailed, Red eyed, and Large Red Damselfly but numbers still remain quite low but hopefully this will all change in the next few weeks. Fingers crossed for some better weather again soon and a few more visits out and about. It won't be long until the first Norfolk Hawkers are flying in the Stour Valley, a species I get really excited about seeing and photographing every year.
Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) - male
Entrancing photos. Easy to get lost in all the intricate details.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Wilma. They put me into a trance with their colours and detail. Up close the detail is unbelievable.
DeleteBrilliant Banded Demoiselle, you and macro goes well.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. A cracking species and nice to be able to spend some time appreciating him. Photos are of course a bonus.
DeleteSuch detail Marc, Superb. Wish my I/R cameras were as good as that. Stay safe, Mike.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Mike. I'm getting more fussy with age I think and was quite disappointed with how some come out. I would love to upgrade my camera but the children seem to take up most of it. One day hopefully.
DeleteOne of my favourite species Marc. I really hope I will manage to get the odd session with them soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd mine too Bob. The colours fascinate me with this species. The flight, everything about them is just brilliant. A tricky species to approach at times but that's part of the challenge. Stay safe.
DeleteStunning images as always, Marc. I'm starting to think that I might actually get out in the not-too-distant future, although the weather this week looks like being a dead-loss, and this will possibly be one of the species I'll be looking for. Take good care - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. It seems now that we can drive further afield so you should be able to hopefully get out to see your first dragons soon. Looks like I'm back to work in June, just as the season gathers pace!!
DeleteThey are the best images i've ever seen of a Banded Demoiselle Marc. Blew me away the moment i saw them. It's hard to believe that your images could get any better !!! Anything you've changed in the last year or so ??
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind words. Thankfully this Banded Demoiselle posed beautifully and kept returning to the same bit of reed. I was then able to slowly move in neater with a few pleasing shots. I'm really hoping to upgrade my camera in the near future but it may be a while yet.
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