With some nice sunny weather yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, I decided around lunchtime to have a walk at Westbere again for an hour before calling in briefly at Shuart on the way home. On arrival, it was indeed nice to see the winds lighter and the sun shining. I walked up to the river and back and managed to see 6 Hairy Dragonfly although none decided to pose for a photograph, a few Variable, Azure, Blue tailed Damselfly but still not in numbers at the moment. It was pleasing to see a few more Large Red Damselfly and 4 Banded Demoiselle were seen along the river. Hopefully my lens will get a chance in the next few weeks to capture the superb colours on this species. The highlight was when I noticed a teneral male Scarce Chaser that had probably just made its maiden flight from the reeds to the bushes. I was able to grab a few shots before he flew even deeper into cover and out of sight.
Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva) immature male
On the way home I called in briefly at Shuart where I found 5 Hairy Dragonfly and I managed a dodgy shot of a male as it rested in the long grasses.
Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) - male
Also seen were a few Azure Damselfly and an immature male Broad bodied Chaser which posed nicely for a few photos.
Broad bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) - immature male
You took the Scarce Chaser, fantastic Marc. I have never saw it, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA nationally scarce dragonfly but luckily, I have a good site near me. In a few weeks time, the males will look superb.
DeleteSuch brilliant colours and I can only shoot in mono. Stay safe, Mike.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Mike. If you get the right light and dragonfly, the colours can be pretty amazing.
DeleteGreat photography of some wonderful finds, Marc. I think that the best I can hope for this year is that my next-door neighbour's very small pond just might have one or two nymphs in it and that something just might venture over into my garden from his pond - it has happened before, but not often!
ReplyDeleteTake good care and stay safe - - - Richard
Many thanks Richard. I'm sure there will be plenty of time for you to catch up with some dragonflies. Fingers crossed this all finishes soon. Stay safe.
DeleteScarce Chasers out already Marc. The season just keeps coming. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteEverything seems to be getting a little earlier every year. Don't normally see these for a couple of weeks yet although maybe because of more time to look, they are normally there. Take care.
DeleteExcellent as always Marc, and I'll be looking out for your superb male Scarce Chaser in a few weeks time. But have to query your shot of the male Hairy Dragonfly which you obviously thought wasn't quite up to your usual standard, but the self criticism seemed a bit harsh and didn't qualify as 'dodgy' in my 9.5 out of 10 judgement.
ReplyDeleteHi Pete and hope you are well. Quite simply, there is grass covering one of the wings making this at best a 5/10. Normally this would be binned straight away but it was the only shot that really come out. I'm my worst critic, I think we all are of our own material but that's what makes us better. Always questioning how to get better. Take care.
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