Kent Specials at New Hythe

After visiting Cliffe Marshes to see the Southern Emerald Damselflies on Friday, I took the 25 minute drive over to New Hythe where I wanted to have a good walk around the area in preparation for a dragonfly tour I was leading the next day there. I have been visiting here now for a number of years and in all honesty, have struggled to take many pleasing photos of the Lesser Emperors that can be found, probably due to my clumsiness in flushing them. I spent around four hours walking around the area in lovely warm conditions and must have seen c20 Lesser Emperor. I managed to see a few pairs in tandem flying over the lake, a mating pair at distance and numerous individuals out over the water but could I find one perched to get any photos...Well, eventually, yes. In the heat of the afternoon sun, I checked a few areas where I flushed a few despite checking ahead of me. They really do blend in well and I was looking for that blue saddle to stick out. In the end, I resorted to walking at a snails pace and making a more thorough check of the vegetation ahead of me. With the patience of a saint, I soon rewarded and spotted a perched male low down and took a few record shots before slowly moving a little closer. Keeping very low down and moving an inch at a time, I got within a distance I knew I could get a few better shots. After rattling off a few, he was off and soon out of sight. I kept on stalking along the pathway slowly and soon spotted another male perched up. Not the best of angles but I was just happy to have another opportunity for some photos. Again I moved in slowly but with this individual, I actually got quite close and ended up with a few closer photos and some lovely views. Not long and he was off too. I slowly made my way back to the car in the hope that I at last, had a few useable photos of this lovely species. Also noted during my walk where 5 Norfolk Hawker, numerous Black tailed Skimmer, a few Brown Hawker and Four spotted Chaser, Emperor Dragonfly, Banded Demoiselle and a good number of Common Blue Damselfly, Blue tailed Damselfly and Red eyed Damselfly.

I returned to New Hythe on Saturday where I led a dragonfly tour with 5 clients. Despite the cloudy skies and rain at times, we managed to see 2 Lesser Emperor including one catching a Migrant Hawker in flight which then landed very close to us briefly. Also noted were lots of Common Blue Damselfly, Blue tailed Damselfly and Banded Demoiselle and 2 Beautiful Demoiselle. An excellent couple of days enjoying some of the rare species that Kent has to offer. 

Lesser Emperor - male