Ticknall Limeyards, just over the border into Derbyshire from my home, is one of my favourite local spots for communing with nature - even though its history is industrial! It can be very good for dragonflies, and is one of the best local spots for Red-eyed Damselfly. This visit, however, turned out to be not quite as productive as I hoped it would be.
Ruddy Darters were here in greater profusion than I'd previously seen at this place.
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| Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) (male) - Ticknall Limeyards |
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| Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) (male + female - in cop) - Ticknall Limeyards |
I briefly saw a probable Southern Hawker, 2 probable Migrant Hawkers, and there were a couple of Brown Hawkers that were playing hard to get. A lone Black-tailed Skimmer occasionally settled in an accessible place.
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| Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) (male) - Ticknall Limeyards |
I spent some time trying, unsuccessfully, to photograph an Emperor dragonfly in flight, but it very rarely came close enough, and frequently left the area when having skirmishes with one of the probable Migrant Hawkers. I even found myself photographing other things that caught my eye - I'm not even sure that this next image is of a bee, as there are a few bee-like insects out there. Thanks to Adrian for giving the ID as being of a Honey Bee
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| Honey Bee - Ticknall Limeyards |
I had just decided that it was time to go home when I noticed the Emperor had settled - unfortunately, not in a very convenient place. With contortion, and a risk of falling in and getting very wet, I managed a few shots.
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| Emperor (Anax imperator) (male) - Ticknall Limeyards |
I've had better visits, but at least I didn't come away without any shots in the bag! AND, in all honesty, I did have a very enjoyable time. AND I've ended up with, what is for me, a relatively short blog post, which has to be a bonus!
Thank you for dropping by. I fully expect my next blog post to feature more Little Owls!
Thank you for dropping by. I fully expect my next blog post to feature more Little Owls!
What a wonderful place. Grand shots as always. The bee is a Hairy Honey Bee.....I hope. There is a Hairy Footed Bumble Bee but it looks nothing like this one, they are massive.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great place, Adrian. The area is full of Orchids in the early summer, and there are many other delights here too.
DeleteThank you for the ID. I can find no reference to a Hairy Honey Bee, but I see it does look like a Honey Bee so I'll call it that - I get the impression that most honey bees are hybrids?
Best wishes - - - Richard
Enjoy the dragonflies while you may, Richard. They will not long be with us as we head towards the close of August.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, some will be with us through September, and possibly as far October, David.
DeleteLovely set of photos Richard. Nice to see you finding plenty of activity.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marc. I'm not getting out as much as I would like to at the moment - too many issues to sort out at home. Best wishes - - - Richard
DeleteHi Richard, a short blog with out WiFi speeds is always a bonus 😉 I love the Emperor it quite beautiful as is the Ruddy Darter. I have given up trying to identify bees as you say there are so many lookalikes! I am glad though that Adrian has put an ID to this one.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week, best wishes Diane
Hi Diane. I'll try to bear your slow internet speed in mind for future posts, but I make no promises - I do go on a bit sometimes! The main problem with ID for subjects that one is not familiar with, is the time it takes - sometimes I just think "life's too short".
DeleteI hope you are having a great post-birthday week. My very best wishes - - - Richard
Absolutely stunning the Dragonflies, and the Bee, excellent shots Richard.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bob - the dragonflies are one of my favourite subjects. Best wishes - - - Richard
DeleteGreat photos Richard!
ReplyDeleteI haven't taken a single shot of our European dragons this summer!
The emperor is always a must.
All the best and enjoy your weekend my friend :)
So sorry to hear that you've not used your superb photographic talents on the dragons this year, Carine. It's our loss. Yes, the Emperor is always a magnificent sight! my best wishes to you, too, for an excellent weekend - - - - Richard
DeleteHi Richard,
ReplyDeleteI thought I had reacted here as well but apparently the reaction was not placed or failed. The photos of the dragonflies are as usual again great. Beautiful in color, sharpness and beautiful details. My compliments for your beautiful form of photography.
Greetings, Helma
Thank you, Helma. I find it is very easy to spend time writing a comment on a blog, and then managing to press the wrong button and wondering where my comment went! Best regards - - - - Richard
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