As mentioned in my last post, I have been able in this lovely warm sunny weather to fit in a few sessions after work at Grove Ferry where my main targets have been the Norfolk Hawkers. On Tuesday I was again walking around Grove Ferry where in an hour or so I was able to find up to 28 Norfolk Hawker patrolling up and down various dykes. What was encouraging was seeing quite a few females away from water flying over the meadows which is encouraging for the future of this species in east Kent. I took my normal set of photos when the chance arose but it was one area in particular with fresh green reeds present and an obliging male Norfolk Hawker that kept me busy. As the title suggests, every now and then you find an individual in good condition that shows beautifully giving me the chance to take a number of photos from various angles. I was able to just sit back and watch as he flew up and down the ditch, returning to the same patch of reeds and landing for some time before going off on patrol again. I'm often guilty of trying to cover too much area during a session looking for a shot so to just sit back and enjoy this stunning species up close was a pleasure. It won't be to long until they start to look quite worn and then dwindle in numbers slowly so I made sure I got my fill of one of my favourite species. It seems to have been a successful season so far for them in east Kent and with numbers now starting to appear at other locations in southern England, it seems that the Norfolk Hawker is here to stay and for others to enjoy. I'm sure I will be back again soon to see them but I feel this set of photos is about as good as I can get showing off this species to its best.
Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isosceles) - male
The detail here - particularly in the last three images - is something else. But from past experience, I reckon we might see you topping even this one day....'about as good as I can get'....perfection, but I'm not totally convinced Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Pete for your kind words. They are very much appreciated. I will do my best if I can to better these at some point.
DeleteMany thanks Agnieszka. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Marc. So lucky to have such a place to visit and do what you do best. Stay safe. Mike.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Mike. I need to sometimes just sit and enjoy more. A very special dragonfly to me and one I know I'm lucky to see near me.
Deleteyou certainly captured its overwhelming beauty. I can't get enough of those eyes. The third from last photo shows the alternating hairy and shiny segments of the thorax - so interesting and intricate. I can see why you were content to sit with this specimen for so long.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Wilma for your kind words. Those eyes get you don't they. The contrast of brown body, green eyes and the reeds really works for me. Nice to get them away from all the clutter too on some of the shots. Take care.
DeleteIt may sound lazy on my part, Marc, but I reckon that Pete, above, has put my thoughts into words perfectly, so I'll leave it at that and 'watch this space'! Best wishes -stay safe - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteCheers Richard. I think I've pushed the camera to its limits now so getting much better than this will be hard to do. Just need to win the lottery now so I can afford one.
Delete