The Azure damsel fly mating (very large piccs)...

[British Red]

Each summer when we get periods of warmth, the azure damsel flies congregate in a local lily pond. I was ready for them this year and thought I woud share some of the photos.

Forgive the large size but I felt it was worth it to show the beauty of the event

The odd position always fascinates me....

Clearly there is no shyness in the insect world

Taking off doesn't stop the event

Nor in fact does flying

Always a wonderful event to witness....I hope you enjoyed it

Red

 

[Nagual]

Simply.. wow.

 

[sandbender]

Fantastic shots
:You_Rock_

 

[Asa Samuel]

Great photos!

 

[British Red]

Thanks for the kind words ....nothing wildly skillful in the photos -just "right place & time".

Its amazing to see 50 to a hundred pairs all flying around - you get those flashes of "kingfisher blue" in the corner of your eye all the time.

Pure magic.

If I can find the time I'll go to the stream where the Demoiselles mate

Red

 

[stevesteve]

Wow, the flying photo is one of the best wildlife shots I have seen. You can even see that the male has one set of wings up and the other down!

Cheers,
Steve

 

[korvin karbon]

Amazing pics Red, well done.

COuld you share the technical and practical details please? I.e lens, settings etc and more importantly, how long and how quiet did you have to be to get those pics.

well done again

 

[HillBill]

Quality pictures Red.

Looks like a kidnap or a fly by

 

[British Red]

With great pleasure.

Damsels are not particularly shy but dislike movement and particularly vibration and shadows moving over them. They flit and settle repeatedly whilst mating - but once into egg laying (when on a leaf with the female having her ovipositor under the water). They are reluctant to move. Set your gear up in position and you will be shooting in a few minutes.

For these shots I used a Sigma 135-400mm lens on a Canon 400D body. I used a tripod and a lens mount for the tipod (attaching the tripod to the lens rather that the body as its a long lens)

An average shot in the sequence was at 400mm with exposure 1/320th @ f6.3 ISO 400 - too slow without the tripod (the pond is shady).

HTH Red

 

[firecrest]

fantastic!
the males look like they are stood round having a conversation on the second one.

 

[BOD]

fantastic!
the males look like they are stood round having a conversation on the second one.

Yes looks like a group love-in or wife swapping to me

 

[Purdy Bear]

Outstanding pictures.

Iv had one of those fly straight into my face before, luckily we get a few in the area.

 

[Shewie]

Great pictures Red

I know how they feel though, I'm always getting it in the neck form our lass

 

[Chopper]

Great pics BR.

I am shocked you have'nt tried that position especially as you are newly married

 

[Singeblister]

Great shots as always Red

 

[delbach]

Fantastic shots BR
Andrew