Thursday, 4 June 2009

Buttercups and damselflies

Seen down by the river yesterday, a water weed called Ranunculus aquatilis or Water Crowfoot.  The first time I saw the river at this time of year, from a distance I thought it was pollution, but I'm told it is a vital part of the environment for the river fish.


While I was looking at it, I suddenly noticed little bright blue biplanes darting here and there.  They are Calopteryx splendens or, more easily, Banded Demoiselles. 


One very kindly agreed to pose!


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9 comments:

Solomon said...

I've only ever managed to get one decent shot of a dragonfly. They're such beautiful little creatures. :)

Lapis Ruber said...

Lovely photos as usual - Thanks

A. said...

Admittedly, I was going for shots of the water weed, and it was ages before I even noticed the various sorts of flying insects there were. I just took so many shots, the odds were that one would come out. I've tried before with no luck at all. They're really quite a sight.

@LR, thank you! :)

YTSL said...

Super pictures - and what a lovely looking creature that Banded Demoiselle is! :)

A. said...

@YTSL, thanks. They are more beautiful in real life, especially when flying. In the suspended animation of a photo, they lose something.

EastCoastLife said...

I haven't seen a dragonfly since .... ages ago! In my elementary school days, my elder cousins and I used to catch them with self-made nets. :)

arghhhhh..... beautiful childhood memories.

Poetic Shutterbug said...

That is one beautiful dragonfly. It's great that you were able to capture him in a photo. Beautiful shots.

TorAa said...

Impressive details and a good story about how all creatures are important in the food chain

Diff.thinkr said...

Good eyes you got there and great photos too
Good work

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