Dreaming of Gold!

It's been about six years since I last saw Golden ringed Dragonfly in Kent (a scarce species in Kent) so when I heard that Barry Wright and James Hunter had seen a few at a site in west Kent, I was keen to see if I was able to visit. After getting directions from Barry and with the forecast looking good for Sunday, I decided to give it a go and thankfully, Sunday dawned sunny and I set off about 10am. About 45 minutes later and in the middle of nowhere, I eventually pulled up at a bridge overlooking a small stream. Immediately I could see Banded and Beautiful Demoiselles flying around. We don't get Beautiful Demoiselle in east Kent so it was nice to see this species again. After having a drink and getting the camera ready, I stood at the bridge again and waited. It must have only been a few minutes before a male Golden ringed Dragonfly flew up the stream showing nicely. I had forgotten how stunning they were. I was happy to just see one but if a photo could be obtained, that would be a bonus. As I continued to watch up the stream through the binoculars, I could see a Golden ringed Dragonfly patrolling an area which it seemed quite loyal too. I slowly made my way through the vegetation and carefully sat down at the waters edge and scanned again. It wasn't long until he passed again and then perched up. I just had to have a look first through the binoculars at close range and take in the stunning colours and detail on this dragonfly before the camera could not wait any longer and I set about trying to get some images... without also trying to fall in as I was delicately perched. I spent the next hour and a half watching at least 3 Golden ringed Dragonfly patrolling up and down with two perching occasionally where I was able to get some pleasing images. Add plenty of Beautiful and Banded Demoiselle, Common Darter, 1 Brown Hawker, 1 Southern Hawker and of course the lovely sound of a trickling stream serenading you, this was my idea of heaven. I barely saw or heard anyone in my time there. What a stunning part of Kent and hopefully I can return next year to see them again and not leave it so long. I didn't know if photos were going to be on the cards as Barry said the site was hard to see from but after just sitting there and being accepted by them, I was really pleased with the photos I managed to get, and to see the Golden ringed Dragonfly again in Kent was definitely a 'wow' moment.  

Golden ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) - male