Otmoor RSPB nature reserve visit

June 11, 2015 Pete

Stayed just outside of Oxford last weekend and stopped off at Otmoor RSPB nature reserve, a reserve of wet meadows and reedbeds, on the Sunday before journey back.

It was a pleasant sunny day and there were both birds and dragonflies about. Of the birds, spotted buntings, warbler and terns in the reedbeds, a Red Kite hovering for prey, and a Turtle Dove. Many of the dragonflies were on the wing with the occasional one finding a perch to bask and provide a decent photo opportunity.

Here is a selection of photo’s from the day, starting in reverse order with the dragonflies.

The Four-spotted Chaser dragonfly (Libellula quadrimaculata).

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG lens at 6.3.

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG lens at 6.3.

A Female Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly (Libellula depressa)

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG lens at 6.3.

This Damselfly decided to use my brother’s shirt for a good place to have a snack.

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Zuiko Olympus 90mm Macro F2 lens at 5.6.

Discovered this pair of mating Azure Damselflies (Coenagrion puella), one of which was finding the whole thing a bit draining so had an energy source (a spider) to keep going!

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Zuiko Olympus 90mm Macro F2 lens at 5.6.

The final type of the day was this Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly (Orthetrum cancellatum). I kept this for record purpose even though it is not a great shot at all.