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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Shades of Pink: Using my Canon 5D Mark III paired with the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, I delved into the intricate details of pink botanical wonders.

Thalictrum aquilegifolium (Akeleiruit)

The first subject, Thalictrum aquilegifolium, commonly known as Akeleiruit, showcased its ethereal lilac-pink flowers. Native to Europe and Asia, this perennial thrives in moist, humus-rich soils, often found in woodland settings. Its feathery blooms, comprised of numerous stamens, create a soft, cloud-like appearance, attracting various pollinators.

Saxifraga hypnoides (Mossteenbreek)

Next, the Saxifraga hypnoides, or Mossteenbreek, presented a contrast with its compact growth and delicate white flowers tinged with pink hues. This alpine plant prefers shaded, rocky environments and is known for its moss-like foliage, which provides a lush green carpet punctuated by its star-shaped blossoms.

Unidentified Pink-Flowering Plant

The final subject remains a mystery—a tall, slender plant adorned with clusters of tiny pink flowers. Initially resembling Lythrum salicaria (kattenstaart), its more compact floral arrangement and elongated stems suggest otherwise.

Capturing these plants required patience and precision, especially given the shallow depth of field inherent to macro photography. Each image reveals the intricate structures and subtle color variations that often go unnoticed.

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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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Macro 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.

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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.

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A Rare Encounter: Eurasian Spoonbill Over Kampina

While exploring the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I was fortunate to witness a Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) soaring overhead. This elegant wader, distinguished by its white plumage and unique spoon-shaped bill, is a rare sight in this area, as they typically inhabit the swampy regions deep within the reserve. Capturing this moment with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm telephoto lens, the sunlight illuminated its outstretched wings against the clear blue sky, highlighting the intricate feather patterns.

Eurasian Spoonbills are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, with the Dutch population primarily breeding on the Wadden Sea barrier islands. They prefer shallow wetlands with abundant aquatic life, feeding on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Their presence in inland areas like Kampina is less common, making this encounter particularly special.

Observing this majestic bird in flight underscores the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant's wetlands and the importance of preserving these habitats for future generations.

#EurasianSpoonbill #PlataleaLeucorodia #Lepelaar #BirdPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #BirdWatching #WetlandBirds #AvianBeauty #NatureLovers #WildlifePhotography

Geranium phaeum – The Dusky Cranesbill of Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the captivating Geranium phaeum, commonly known as the Dusky Cranesbill or "de donkere ooievaarsbek" in Dutch. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and thrives in woodland settings, preferring moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade.

The plant features deeply lobed, soft green leaves often marked with maroon blotches. Its distinctive deep maroon-purple flowers, approximately 2 cm across, bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an early nectar pollinator source.

Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, this close-up reveals the intricate details of the flower's reflexed petals and the crane-like shape of its seed heads, which inspired the genus name "Geranium," derived from the Greek word for crane.

Capturing this plant in its natural habitat underscores the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant's woodlands.

#GeraniumPhaeum #DuskyCranesbill #DonkereOoievaarsbek #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #WildflowerPhotography #WoodlandPlants #PollinatorFriendly #NatureLovers #BotanicalPhotography

Honeybee at Work – Kampina's Buzzing Pollinator

While exploring the diverse landscapes of the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I captured a Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) diligently foraging among the wildflowers. This species plays a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of plants, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the area. The Kampina's mix of heathlands, forests, and wetlands provides an ideal habitat for these industrious insects. Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens, this close-up reveals the intricate details of the honeybee's anatomy and its vital work in our ecosystems.

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Macro Marvels in the Chaamse Bossen

Exploring the Chaamse Bossen with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 65mm macro lens, I encountered two fascinating residents: the Edible Frog (Pelophylax esculentus) and the European Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus).

The Edible Frog, a hybrid species, thrives in the wetlands of the Netherlands, known for its vibrant green hue and distinctive croak. Meanwhile, the European Garden Spider, recognizable by the white cross on its abdomen, diligently weaves its orb-shaped web daily, showcasing nature's architectural prowess.

Capturing these creatures up close reveals the intricate details often overlooked, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant's woodlands.

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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.

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