A Broad Bodied Chaser Emerges

Broad bodied Chaser

Libellula depressa

Having missed a Broad bodied Chaser emerging a few days ago from the pond, I was keen to photograph this first for me with this species so knowing a few were in the pond, I kept checking to see if any looked like they would emerge soon. I was in luck and noticed an individual in the shallows which was well out of the water and even better, it had chosen one of my potted reeds that if necessary, could be removed to aid my photography. After taking a few shots, I planned to get up early this morning to see if I could photograph the emergence. Again the literature I have read suggested that they emerge early morning but not this one as when I checked last night just before 10pm, I could see it well up on the reeds and preparing to emerge. I wasn't quite expecting this so a rush later, I was in position with the camera and warned the neighbours that there would be some flashing from the garden (the camera, not me!) I quickly set up the tripod and using manual mode, ISO 400, speed set to 250 and in camera flash, I spent the next 2 hours photographing the spectacular emergence. I did feel a bit mad sitting in the garden near on midnight but on the other hand, totally privileged to witness this transformation while most slept unaware of what was happening. Once again, I was very pleased with the outcome of the photos and went to bed hoping that she would still be present early morning. This morning I was up at 6.45am where after getting dressed, I went outside where she had coloured up and once again, I took a few more photos of this stunning dragonfly. When I left for work, she was still at the pond but on arrival back home later, she had hopefully successfully made her first flight. Despite the long unsociable hours, what a sight to witness and photograph again and hopefully a few more will emerge from the pond in the next few days. Weather permitting although it doesn't look great for the weekend, I hope to venture out to maybe Westbere Lakes to see whats about and maybe grab a photo or two. 

Marc Heath