Banded Demoiselles and White-legged Damselflies

There were a great number of male Banded Demoiselles just hanging around waiting for a female to arrive. Once a female arrived she was the centre of attention and one male managed to grasp her and fly to vegetation to mate. The White-legged Damselflies seemed to prefer to egg lay in groups.

Dragonfly Survey at Paxton Pits

 Yesterday was our monthly Dragonfly and Butterfly survey at Paxton Pits. Scarce Chasers (1,2) and Norfolk Hawkers (3) were the most numerous of the Dragonfly species followed by Four-spotted Chasers (4) with occasional Emperors (5) and Black-tailed Skimmers (6). 'Blue' damselflies were too numerous to count so estimates of numbers were recorded - all three species present (just Common shown in various coupled positions)  plus Red-eyed (11). Lots of Banded Demoiselles.  Butterflies on the other hand were noticeably scarce - occasional Brimstone, Small Heath and a couple of other species. Finshing with a Cuckoo

Banded Demoiselles in Flight

I have been taking high-speed videos with my FujiX-T3 of various insects in flight - that bit is relatively easy but the processing and assembly into a short film is proving very time consuming and frustrating.
Here an offering of Banded Demoiselles from a recent trip to a small brook in Bedfordshire. This is a low resolution video - larger version on Youtube

Youtube link

Banded Demoiselles and White-legged Damsels

As well as Banded Demoiselles, I caught a few of the White-legged Damselflies in flight. They have very blue eyes. The male Banded Demoiselles sit around on perches or reeds waiting for the females and then they will pounce on her on the water and often look as if they will drown her in their enthusiasm.

Bedfordshire Damsels and Dragons

We spent a very enjoyable day photographing Banded Demoiselles (males shown first then females), Large Red Damselfly, Ruddy Darter, White-legged Damselfly  and Blue-tailed Damselfly. I was trying to get flight shots which proved very difficult - I will share a few in a future post.

Banded Demoiselles Enjoying the Sunshine

Several male Banded Demoiselles chased around waiting for passing females in the bright sunshine at Byron's Pool in Grantchester.