Country intro
Crocothemis servilia servilia
When I started dragon hunting, I just couldn’t believe how difficult it was. I would slowly and painstakingly wriggle up to the target, on my belly, start messing with the aperture and speed, and the dragon was gone – lesson learned.
Another sneak, and my shadow would cross the subject, gone – lesson learned.
Sneaked up from behind, got a shot, but all silhouette – lesson learned.
Another successful sneak, but the dragon was in the wrong position – lesson learned.
On most approaches, the dragon would fly away for no reason. This lesson took a while to get; as you approach, your profile increases in size, this triggers a warning response. You have to lower your height during the approach and try to stay the same size.
Another lesson is; approach with the camera pre-set and up to your face. Keep your eyes hidden.
Another; if you have to move your arm, do not break your profile. Bring your arm up in front and within the profile.
I tried camouflage, but found that it was not successful. As I was getting close to the dragon, it was like the camouflage failed and I was suddenly visible. It is not ‘you’ that spooks the dragon, it is what you are doing. No need to try and be invisible, just don’t appear to be moving.
Plan what shot you want. If the dragon is all wrongly positioned, then leave it, don’t waste the effort.
If there is a bush, use it, you get a free approach. But, if you have to move out from the bush, slowly.
Servilia is a particularly difficult dragon to approach, but easy to find the next one, in sea of green.
Location - Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Open field with shrubbery, near a stream.
The Scarlet Skimmer or Crimson Darter is a species of dragonfly of the family Libellulidae, native to east and southeast Asia and introduced to Florida and Hawaii.
comments (2)
- Don't break their light. They obviously need it to warm their wings
- When it flies, don't think you failed. Stay in position, because very often it will return exactly in the same spot. It had chosen that spot for a reason, and will do so again.
I've gotten used so much to the 2nd tip that when it flees, I don't even look to where it goes, I keep my eyes on where it fled from, so that I don't forget.
Number three is try to find them when they are vulnerable, during cold hours. Posted 9 years ago
I occasionally do first light shots for that very reason. But, being the first along the trail means eating a lot of spider web. Usually the farmers have been before me and cleared the way. Another great use for the monopod :)
Dave Posted 9 years ago