July Highlights

Cordulegaster Boltonii  -  Aeshna Isoceles

Golden Ringed Dragonfly  -  Norfolk Hawker

There have been many highlights this July but two species that come to mind have been the Golden ringed Dragonfly and Norfolk Hawker. I had never seen a Golden ringed Dragonfly before and in Kent, England they are very scarce with only a few sites to see them at. I was very lucky therefore to go to a site called Sissinghurst with a friend who after a brief search found 2 males patrolling a small stretch of stream. We spent an hour there watching these magnificent creatures flying past us and they provided many satisfying photo opportunities. Up and till now the first shot is my favourite I have taken so far this year. 

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

Another outstanding highlight was the confirmation that Norfolk Hawker is now a breeding species in East Kent. I was lucky to find the 3rd record for Kent last year not too far away from Westbere Lakes where they have been this year. This is a very rare Dragonfly in the England with only a couple of sites in the whole country. When news broke that one had been seen I eagerly made a visit and we then found another individual. With lots of eyes visiting there area up to 5 Norfolk Hawkers have been seen including a pair copulating and ovipositing. Thankfully they showed very well early on enabling me to grab a few pleasing images of this species. 

Norfolk Hawker

Norfolk Hawker

Norfolk Hawker

Marc Heath