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DVD Review
British Damselflies & British Dragonflies
by Graham Sherwin
British Damselflies – British Dragonflies a review:
The following is a review of two DVD 's about the species of Damselfly and Dragonfly that can be found in the British Isles and Ireland. The author of these two titles is Graham Sherwin.
The DVD British Damselflies is divided into two major parts.
Introducing Dragonflies, Damselflies and the DVD
The introduction menu has several chapters detailing aspects of the anatomy, life cycle, predation, history, plus several other chapters, each containing valuable information which I think people with an interest in these insects would find very informative. The various chapters contain some very good video footage which is accompanied with an informative narrative, explaining in quite some detail the topic currently being played.
Damselflies
This section of the DVD contains details about each of the Damselfly species found within the British Isles & Ireland. Each of the chapters informs you of the flight times, habitats and possible other species that may be found along with the target species. Detailed information is shown about each of the species showing what to look for in order to make a correct identification.
The chapters of the DVD dealing with similar species of Damselfly show on screen comparisons between the species. This can be especially useful with some of the not so easily identified ones, especially the Blues. I particularly liked this as I know from personal experience that accurate identification can be extremely difficult.
The DVD British Dragonflies has three sections to choose from on the main menu. Layout of this DVD follows a similar format as the companion DVD of British Damselflies. Making it very easy to navigate quickly, find a particular topic and start viewing.
Introduction Menu
The introduction contained on this DVD is shorter and has fewer sections than the DVD about the British Damselflies, although this does not detract in any way from the video.
Dainty Damselfly
Included on this DVD is a chapter on the Dainty Damselfly. This species did not quite make the companion DVD - British Damselflies.
Dragonflies
Each of the chapters contains footage of both male and female of the species. All of the species currently found in the British Isles are covered along with many of the vagrant species of Dragonflies that have been recorded.
Distribution, habitat and other species likely to be found in the same area are amongst the information given. Detailed footage showing flight, and close-ups of each is given and from different angles. As in the companion DVD the sequences showing multiple species side by side is particularly useful. The comparisons show the major and subtle differences of distinguishing features or marks of the species which can be of great benefit when identifying a subject.
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The video sequences contained on both of the DVD’s is very well shot, edited and narrated. Showing in detail the subject at hand and along with the explanations provides a good reference guide for each the species.
There is a vast amount of well presented information contained within these two DVD’s, that would compliment other reference material on our favourite subject.
DVD information:
British Damselflies running time is approx 150 mins
British Dragonflies running time is approx 156 mins
Aspect Ratio 4:3 (both DVD's)
DVD's available from following the link at the bottom of this page.
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From the Author
British Damselflies
This DVD describes ALL the breeding and vagrant species of Damselflies on mainland Britain and Ireland (20 in total) and a couple of potential vagrants as well. A companion volume will cover Dragonflies (just over 30 species) the task of learning their ID’s is far less daunting than it is with the hundreds of bird species to be seen - and they all have common names.
The introduction in this volume help with the biology and life cycle of Dragonflies and Damselflies, then each Damselfly species is described with attention drawn to distribution, habitat, flight season, breeding behaviour and , of course identification and distinguishing features of immature Damselflies as well as adults.
I hope it will be of use to beginners and more experienced enthusiasts alike.
British Dragonflies
This DVD describes
ALLthe breeding and more frequent vagrant species of Dragonflies on mainland Britain and Ireland (just over 30 species). A companion DVD covers
ALLthe breeding and vagrant Damselflies (20 in total) - both look at a few potential vagrants as well. The companion DVD also has an hour long introduction to both Dragonflies and Damselflies. With only about 60 species in total, learning their ID's is a far less daunting task than it is with the hundreds of bird species to be seen.
Through lack of space the introduction in this volume only illustrates how to use it and is followed by a brief description of the Dainty Damselfly which did not quite make it onto the Damselfly DVD. Then each of the Dragonfly species is described with attention drawn to distribution, habitat, flight season, breeding, behaviour and of course identification and distinguishing features of immature Dragonflies as well as adults - and they all have common names.
I hope it will be of use to beginners and more experienced enthusiasts alike.
www.gswildlife.co.uk
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British Damselflies & British Dragonflies
by Graham Sherwin
British Damselflies – British Dragonflies a review:
The following is a review of two DVD 's about the species of Damselfly and Dragonfly that can be found in the British Isles and Ireland. The author of these two titles is Graham Sherwin.
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