Paralympics

 Just to show that Sue and I went to the Paralympics yesterday. More pictures to follow. We were seated right under to Olympic flame among the various coaches - hence the 'extra leg'

The Rescue of an Emperor

We saw this Emperor male in the water and thought it was dead but then saw a bit of movement and so fished it out. It rewarded us with great portrait opportunities of a superb dragonfly.

Drama in the Dragonfly Pools

A clear sunny day so I visited the Burwash pools to try and find the Red-eyed Damselflies which is a new species at the pools for me. There were several males, one eating a Mayfly and also a coupled pair .

There were lots of pairs of Common Blue Damselflies but also a lot of extra males who kept trying to get in on the act. This female was being fought over by several males - eventually one got hold of her with his tail and dragged her to safety.

The Right Conditions for Dragonfly Photography

 Today was bright and sunny so a third attempt at Burwash pools. This time - just right as enough wind to cause the dragonflies to 'hover' into the breeze but lots of light so I could use the 300mm plus 1.4 extender. There were lots of Common Darter pairs and also Emperor and Brown Hawker females egg laying. The Emperor males were busy patrolling the pools while a very elegant Emerald Damselfly perched long enough to be snapped.

Different weather - different result

I went back to Burwash dragonfly pools today with the 300mm lens but it was mainly overcast, cool and windy so only one Hawker active over the water. I am pleased with the shot. This was taken at a 1/2000th - same shutterspeed as yesterday's Emperor but the wingbeat of the Migrant Hawker is obviously much faster.

Dragonfly Pools Burwash Farm Barton

I made my first proper visit to Burwash Pools today and was amazed by the amount of water everywhere. There was a lot of dragonfly activity and I photographed two new species for my records of the area - the Migrant Hawker and the Brown Hawker. Many of the insects were very damaged though still managing to fly - I guess the result of the heavy rain recently. Species in order Male Emperor Dragonfly,  Pair of Common Darters, Four-Spot Chaser, Pair of Emerald Damselflies, Male Migrant Hawker, Ruddy Darter, Female Brown Hawker, Common Blue Butterflies and an inquisitive cow.

Storm Clouds

 Incredible storm clouds tonight after the thunderstorm.

Very Clear Light in Cambridge

 Today was very bright sunshine in Cambridge in the morning giving difficult but attractive lighting for photography.

Lakenheath Spiders and Damsels

 Very few bird sightings at Lakenheath but lots of insect activity. As I had the 300mm with me, I used that with an extension ring. There were Common Darters and Ruddy Darters (mating pair); the latter has all black legs and a waisted abdomen. A number of damselflies and flies had got caught in spiders' webs. I like  the last shot as it show the silk being spun out of the spinnerets around the prey.

Whitlingham Country Park

 In Norwich area to give a talk so spent a bit of time at Whitlingham Park. Found a few insects to chase with my 100mm macro. I was very pleased to see and record the Brown Hawker though not a good photo.