Banded Demoiselles at Bushy Park – A Memorable First Visit

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! Visiting a new location always brings a sense of excitement, never quite knowing what wildlife encounters await. My first trip to Bushy Park on 19th July 2026 certainly lived up to expectations, with one of the highlights being the beautiful Banded Demoiselles that lined the waterways throughout the park.

Spending time photographing these elegant damselflies was a real pleasure. The striking metallic blue males were impossible to miss as they perched confidently amongst the riverside vegetation, occasionally taking to the air to patrol their territory before returning to a favourite perch. Alongside them were the more subtly coloured females, whose delicate green-tinted wings provided a wonderful contrast to the males. Seeing both sexes together offered a great opportunity to appreciate the differences in their appearance and behaviour.

Banded Demoiselles are among the UK's most attractive damselflies, and they always make rewarding photographic subjects. Although they can be surprisingly approachable, capturing them in the best light still requires patience, careful positioning, and waiting for the right moment as they settle amongst the reeds and riverside plants. The calm conditions made it possible to spend time observing their behaviour rather than simply chasing photographs, making the experience all the more enjoyable.

As a first visit, Bushy Park made an excellent impression. The combination of attractive waterways, abundant wildlife, and peaceful surroundings made it a fantastic place to explore with the camera. Encounters like these are exactly why I enjoy visiting new locations, and after such a successful introduction, Bushy Park is definitely somewhere I'll be looking forward to returning to in the future.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my first visit to Bushy Park. Be sure to explore my other wildlife photography adventures for more field journals, species encounters, and images from across the UK and beyond. Every outing offers something different, and I look forward to sharing many more moments from the natural world.