Jewel of the Stream: The Beautiful Demoiselle in Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the enchanting Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), or "bosbeekjuffer" in Dutch. This damselfly is renowned for its metallic blue-green body and shimmering wings, making it a captivating subject for nature enthusiasts.

The Beautiful Demoiselle thrives along unpolluted, fast-flowing streams with sandy or gravelly beds, often bordered by lush vegetation. Males are territorial, perching on bankside plants to defend their domain and attract females. Their presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as they are sensitive to water quality and habitat changes.

Capturing this delicate insect with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens was a rewarding challenge. Its graceful flight and vibrant colors highlight the rich biodiversity of Kampina. Moments like these underscore the importance of preserving our natural habitats for future generations to appreciate.

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Wings Over Kampina: A Trio of Avian Encounters

Exploring the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I was privileged to photograph three remarkable bird species, each showcasing the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The first two images capture the Common Buzzard in mid-flight. This raptor, widespread across Europe, is known for its broad wings and rounded tail. Often seen soaring or perched prominently, buzzards are versatile hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds, and carrion. Their distinctive "pee-yow" call is a familiar sound in the countryside.

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

The third image features the European Stonechat, a small passerine bird with striking sexual dimorphism. Males display a black head, white neck patch, and orange-red breast, while females are more subdued in coloration. Stonechats inhabit open scrublands and grasslands, often perching conspicuously as they hunt insects.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)

The final image showcases the Eurasian Spoonbill gliding against a clear blue sky, with a solitary white cloud as its backdrop. This elegant wader is distinguished by its long, spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to forage in shallow waters. Spoonbills are social birds, often found in groups, and their presence indicates healthy wetland ecosystems.

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acro Marvel: The Intriguing Scorpionfly of Kampina

While exploring the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the fascinating Common Scorpionfly (Panorpa communis), or "beenschorpioenvlieg" in Dutch. Drawn by its distinctive patterned wings and the male's curved, red-tipped abdomen—resembling a scorpion's tail—I was compelled to capture its unique features. Utilizing my Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, I managed to photograph this elusive insect, despite its tendency to fly off before I could get close.

Scorpionflies are harmless insects belonging to the ancient order Mecoptera, dating back over 250 million years. The male's "tail" is actually a pair of claspers used during mating, not a stinger. These insects are scavengers, feeding on dead insects and sometimes stealing prey from spider webs. Their mating rituals are particularly intriguing; males present females with nuptial gifts, such as dead insects or saliva masses, to increase mating success.

Capturing this image was a rewarding challenge, highlighting the intricate beauty of this often-overlooked insect.

#PanorpaCommunis #Scorpionfly #Beenschorpioenvlieg #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #InsectPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Mecoptera #NatureLovers #Entomology #MacroWorld #InsectMacro #FieldPhotography #NatureExploration #Biodiversity

Macro Magic: Dimorphotheca ecklonis in Detail

While experimenting with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens at the Coppelmans garden center in Oisterwijk, I captured the intricate beauty of the Dimorphotheca ecklonis, commonly known as the Cape Marguerite or "de Spaanse margriet" in Dutch. This evergreen perennial, native to South Africa, boasts daisy-like flowers with white to purple petals and a dark central disc.

The macro perspective reveals individual pollen grains clinging to the stamens, with the contrasting yellow and black hues creating a striking visual. These flowers are not only ornamental but also attract pollinators, making them valuable in garden ecosystems.

Capturing such detail underscores the fascinating complexity of plant structures and the capabilities of macro photography.

#DimorphothecaEcklonis #SpaanseMargriet #CapeMarguerite #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #GardenPhotography #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #FlowerMacro #PollinatorFriendly #BotanicalBeauty #NatureLovers #FloralDetails

While exploring the tranquil waters of the Chaamse Bossen, I encountered a Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta), a turtle native to the southeastern United States. Likely a former pet released into the wild, this species has established populations in various parts of Europe, including the Netherlands.
Known for their adaptability, these turtles thrive in diverse habitats, from ponds to slow-moving rivers. However, their presence poses challenges to local ecosystems, as they compete with native species for resources and basking spots. Their diet is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small amphibians.

Capturing this moment with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100-400mm lens was both exciting and thought-provoking, highlighting the impact of human actions on wildlife distribution.

#YellowBelliedSlider #TrachemysScriptaScripta #InvasiveSpecies #WildlifePhotography #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400mm #NaturePhotography #ChaamseBossen #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #TurtlePhotography #Herpetology #NatureLovers #ReptilesOfEurope #WildlifeEncounters

The common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha), also colloquially known as the Maybug, Maybeetle, or doodlebug, is a species of scarab beetle belonging to the genus Melolontha. It is native to Europe, and it is one of several closely-related and morphologically similar species of Melolontha called cockchafers, alongside Melolontha hippocastani (the forest cockchafer).

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While plants grow, you can see new developments on a really small scale

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#plantpics #forest #travel #lovenature #naturelove #NoordBrabant #spring #springishere #plant #macroplant #canon5d #canon5dmark3 #springtime #macrophotography