Hairy Dragonfly photo sequence

[Ollie]

Hi all.

The Hairy Dragonflies are just starting to emerge on my local patch, Messingham nature reserve in North lincolnshire.

I was lucky enough to be alerted to this one by another dragonfly enthusiast (Thanks Colin) and managed to get this sequence of photos over a two and a half hour period.

The Dragonfly had just emerged when Colin alerted me to it so it, and below is the photo sequence I took. I couldn't stay any longer to see it actually fly away as I was already running an hour and a half late.

I guess things would have progressed quicker but it was pretty cool and very often overcast and when the sun did shine it wasn't full onto the insect as it was in a fairly shady spot. I got very wet feet as I was actually stood in the water at times and it was deeper than my boots but well worth it to get these shots.

Just emerged with wings crinkled up



Wings beginning to expand a little



Wings more expanded but body still curled



Body expanded more and beginning to move up the reed stem



The dragonfly has now moved up the reed stem away from the excuvia



Sat at the top of the reed stem warming up ready for it's first flight



Finally I took the chance to get a close up shot of the head. I might add that no disturbance at all was caused to this insect in getting these photographs

[Mungo]

Stunning pictures, I agree well worth the wet feet

[Cheryl]

Stunning pictures Well worth the 2 1/2 hours !!!!

I watched a damselfly emerge today - never seen it in real life before - it was lovely to see.

[JRsbugs]

Fantastic shots, I am just a little jealous of course!

Dragons don't usually visit me until August, is it just this one which is early? I'm not very far from Whisby Nature reserve, and apparently there's some rare ones at Doddington Park Lincoln too but I need to get in the car and go there. It would be so much nicer if they all just visited me!

I'm still waiting for the Damselflies.

Janet

[Tormentil]

Excellent shots Roger, you lucky person you.

I'm turning green with envy.

[Bruce Williams]

Excellent series - thanks for posting.

Bruce

[Bunnyrabbit]

I have never seen this before. Great shots........

[ron1863]

Excellent shots Roger and well worth the discomfort, beautiful photography.

[Ollie]

Thanks for the comments folks.

Janet (JRsbugs). Hairy Dragonflies are usually one of the first dragonflies to emerge, first week in May being fairly typical, although Four-spotted Chasers are nearly as early. Saw my first Four-spotted Chaser of the season yesterday.

You should really find the time to visit Messingham, it's only about an hour from you. I have photographed fourteen different species of Dragon/ Damselfies at Messingham in the past.

[camo]

Hi Ollie

Great pictures, I watched a number of 4 Spot Chasers today and there are a few damsels about. Roy