damsel in distress

[crisscross]

passing a local pond and after a family of Coots had taken cover, there was still some sort of commotion in the middle

which turns out to be a darter resting 20-30 secs then attempting to get airborne

without success, but each time getting a foot or two nearer shore

I hoped that it might get a bit out of the water on the inshore weed, but it reached stalemate and I wondered for a few minutes if I should leave alone or attempt rescue. Eventually I got a large dead cow parsley stork and fished it out, whereupon it ended up on a nettle

but still not taking off. So I had my tea, or more accurately coffee and last 2 cherries, while it dried out??
Still no action, so I picked off a couple of leaves and made sure it was not entangled and wheee it was off

I am not going to show off with a pic of it in flight

Is it right to intervene in such a situation?

[david156]

Your Darter is an Emperor Dragonfly which is Britains Largest Dragonfly. Can't see a problem with giving a helping hand. I would have done the same

Cheers David

[Farplace]

I dont know if it's the "right" thing to do.... but I would have done the same.

[aeshna5]

Possibly 2 territorial males had had a fight + this one had been knocked down into the water. One of my favourite insects that symbolises early summer to me.

[Deb London]

There are many that would argue with me, but I think it's right to be compassionate. Nice sequence of shots.