Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! RSPB Pulborough Brooks is a wonderful location for observing and photographing wildlife, and my visit on 23rd August 2026 provided a fantastic opportunity to spend some time with one of our beautiful native dragonflies, the Migrant Hawker.
During the visit, I was fortunate enough to photograph this impressive dragonfly in two very different situations. I managed to capture it both in flight as it patrolled its surroundings and while resting, giving me the opportunity to appreciate and photograph its intricate details from two perspectives. Seeing the same dragonfly displaying such different behaviours made for a particularly enjoyable photographic session.
Photographing dragonflies in flight is always a real test of patience, timing and autofocus. They can change direction in an instant, accelerate rapidly and rarely follow a predictable flight path. Keeping them in the frame and achieving a sharp image takes plenty of practice, quick reactions and, occasionally, a little luck. By comparison, capturing one at rest provides more time to appreciate the fine details, delicate wings and distinctive markings that make these insects so fascinating.
It was particularly rewarding to come away with photographs showing both the movement and stillness of the Migrant Hawker. These contrasting opportunities made the visit to RSPB Pulborough Brooks even more enjoyable and provided a lovely reminder of the variety of photographic challenges that dragonflies offer.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to explore more of my wildlife photography adventures and encounters from RSPB Pulborough Brooks and other locations. Every visit offers something different, and I look forward to sharing more moments from the field soon.
