• Damsels and Dragons

    At our local quarry, a number of species of damselflies and dragonflies make their appearance during the summer months. The site has several shallow ponds (some of which dry up entirely in dry weather) and plenty of heather. With patience, it’s possible to photograph insects in the heather and in the reeds at the edge of ponds. The quarry closed in the 1990s and now provides space to allow the development of habitats for wildlife. Fifteen different species of damselflies and dragonflies have been identified in recent years, though they are not often in great abundance. I think I’ve seen 10 or 11 of them over the last two years. Yesterday…

  • southern hawker dragonfly female head

    Insects

    It’s July already and days to be out photographing insects have been few and disappointingly cold! However, with the warmer weather, damselflies and dragonflies are on the wing and butterflies are in evidence. I took the following photographs on a couple of afternoon outings the end of June and early July. One of the pre-requisites this year was to obtain a pair of wellies! This allowed me to venture further into the edge of ponds, giving myself a bit more of a chance to catch the flighty critters. In retrospect, maybe a set of waders would have been a better idea!

error: © Christine Widdall - Kirklees Cousins