Sparkling Dragonflies and Shimmering Raindrops
Late May and early June on the Somerset Levels and Moors frequently bring days when you need a whole wardrobe of clothes to feel comfortable. One moment the wind is blowing and you need a fleece or hoodie, the next the sun is warm enough for just a T-shirt and maybe a hat, then suddenly the sky darkens, a shower sweeps in and a waterproof is essential.
More than once I've found myself fumbling to pull a waterproof from my rucksack, only for the rain to arrive first and I find myself soaked and pulling on my coat just as the rain stops!
For a couple of weeks each year, there are places on the Levels where dragonflies seem to be everywhere.. When the sun is out the dragonflies spend most of their time on the wing, flying over the water and weaving through the reedbeds in great clouds. Their wings making a dry, papery whisper as they pass.
A sudden downpour changes everything. The dragonflies are reluctant to fly through the heavy raindrops. Their wings become weighted with water and they settle quietly amongst the reeds to wait for the sunshine to return.
For a few minutes the reeds are almost still, the only movement comes from raindrops gathering at the tips of the reeds before dropping silently into the water below.
As soon as the rain stops the landscape feels transformed. Every leaf and reed is covered in tiny shimmering droplets and the air carries that fresh, earthy scent that only rain can bring. The dragonflies do not fly straight away and it is one of the few times they're still long enough to be admired properly. Their delicate wings are traced with sparkling droplets, their colours glow against the fresh green of early summer, and for a few peaceful moments they seem completely unhurried.
As the sun breaks through the dragonflies turn into shimmering sparkling jewels. They begin to tremble their wings arming their flight muscles before taking to the air. One dragonfly lifts into the air, then another, until they're once again darting effortlessly over the water.
Those quiet moments between the showers never seem to last for long, but perhaps that's what makes them so memorable.