Capturing a Southern Hawker in Flight at Warnham Local Nature Reserve
On 17th August 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph a Southern Hawker dragonfly in flight at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. These moments are always a test of patience, timing, and pure fascination — and this one didn’t disappoint.
The Southern Hawker is one of the UK’s most striking dragonflies, known for its vivid green and blue markings and agile flight. As I stood near the reedbeds, this magnificent insect hovered effortlessly in front of me, its wings catching the sunlight with every movement. The way it darted and hovered above the water was like watching a tiny helicopter, completely in control of its surroundings.
For me, experiences like this are what make wildlife photography so rewarding. It’s not just about the photo — it’s about slowing down, observing nature, and appreciating the small, fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. Dragonflies like the Southern Hawker remind me just how much beauty there is in even the smallest details of the natural world.
If you’re ever visiting Warnham Local Nature Reserve, keep an eye out near the water’s edge during late summer. You might just catch a glimpse of these masters of the air as they patrol their territory, shimmering in the light.
Location: Warnham Local Nature Reserve, UK
Subject: Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea)
Date Captured: 17 August 2025
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