Whilst down at Sandwich Bay last week with Terry and Keith, I was walking through the longer grasses when I flushed a large dragonfly from the edge of the water. Thankfully, it only flew a few metres and soon came to rest. As I raised the binoculars, I was pleased to see that it was a female Lesser Emperor. We had only been watching a male a short while earlier so nice to know a pair is around. She looked to have some age to her with her faded abdomen and slightly tattered wings but nonetheless, still an impressive beast. I took a few distant shots and was soon joined by Terry and Keith where we spent some time studying her and getting some photos. Despite us moving around, she didn't seem bothered so I moved in closer with the macro lens. She didn't move and Terry asked if she would go on my hand. I carefully put my hand down and she obliged. We had superb views up close like I have never had before. The details up close were incredible. I soon put her back down and took a few more shots before we moved off to leave her. Hopefully the male has found her and they have egg layed in one of the pools. A cracking encounter at this superb venue.
As you say, albeit showing her age with her faded abdomen and tattered wings, an impressive creature Marc.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the hols....Pete.
Many thanks Pete. Yes, I'm enjoying the holidays. Think I could live like this every day. Beats working. Take care.
DeleteA fabulous encounter Marc. Lesser Emperors are certainly spreading and becoming more numerous.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly has become more common in certain areas in Spain too, but I am still very surprised they are starting to reach the UK and become more common there too, at least in the southern area of Britain. Thanks for sharing!
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