Paddling in the Cych is usually something I can only stand for a minute or two - even in summer the water is usually bone-chillingly cold. But yesterday was so hot that Is and I spent ages wading around in it.
On a big meander a fallen tree forms a dam and there's a pool that's deep and clear. As we paddled around we saw blue-green damselflies two or three times there.
They never rested in one place long enough for me to get a proper ID. I registered the coloured wings, so can say that they were demoiselles.
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| Photo: naturspektrum.de |
Looking at the British Dragonfly Soc's photo guide it turns out that we have just two demoiselles and I reckon ours was Calopteryx virgo, the beautiful demoiselle. Good common name that - says what is does on the tin.
I'm planning to go back with a camera, but I'm not confident I'll be able to close enough to get anything that is worth having. Certainly I'd be lucky to get anything as good as this one.
It's inspiring - but daunting. As a dabbler, when you read about the time and skill that goes into making them happen you realise how much you have to learn.
I like damsel flies a lot. Dragon flies very much less so. Hope you get your picture. They dart about a bit!
ReplyDeleteIt's gone a bit cold now for wading around in rivers, so the pictures may have to wait.
DeleteWe have Banded Demoiselle on a nearby stretch of the River Aire in Kirkstall, Leeds. Its certainly worth a try to see if you can get a few photos, with a little patience and a little luck you just never know! Linda
ReplyDeleteHi
DeleteThanks for the comment. I've just had a look at your blog and your pictures are fantastic. What's the secret?
Julian