Damsels and Demoiselles in the Sunshine

I spent a wonderful but wet afternoon in a small river near Willington in Bedfordshire among the Banded Demoiselles and White-legged Damseflies. I like the graceful curves on the wings in the first shot but I think it is the effect of the electronic shutter! 

 

 

  

Strumpshaw RSPB Dragons and Butterflies

Yesterday's Nature Group/East Anglia RPS outing to Strumpshaw Fen coincided with the warmest day of the year with max. temperature of 28 degrees so plenty of Dragonfly and Butterfly activities but not much keeping still. We did manage a good range of species including the Scarce Chaser (female and male), Black-tailed Skimmer, Four-Spot Chaser, Red-Eyed Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle, Azure and Variable Damselflies, Brimstone and Swallowtail. We also were shown Norfolk Hawkers in flight but failed to capture an image! (other insects to follow!!)

Banded Demoiselles

I spent Monday afternoon sitting in a stream near Bedford surrounded by male Banded Demoiselles, all intent on finding and capturing a female. When a female did arrive, she was pounced on and taken up into the vegetation for mating. The White-legged Damseflies were also attacked by the Demoiselles. Thanks Richard for sharing the wonderful experience.

Grantchester River Walk

A dozen CCC Members had an evening walk along the river at Grantchester in search of roosting insects. It was such a warm evening that the Banded Demoiselles were very much still active as in the first pair of images where a female has captured and ate a Mayfly. We also found a Mullein moth caterpillar and abundant Crane flies. Finished with a cooling drink in the Red Lion.

Grantchester River Walk

The  Cam at Grantchester was alive with Banded Demoiselles and Brown Hawkers this morning. After nearly three hours frustration, I ended up with some images that I like. The Banded males seem to take aggression a bit far and attack females as well as males. The females in contrast seem happy to lay together.