Monday's magic moment: nature's tiny jewels

Now's the time to head down to a river, stream or pond near you and watch out for tiny, delicate jewels. Spring is the time when many of our damselflies and dragonflies can be seen.

How do you tell the difference between the two? Well, dragonflies are larger than damselflies, and rest with their wings held out to the side. Damselflies usually rest with their wings held in along their narrow bodies.

This is a female banded demoiselle. What a beauty! Despite their fragile appearance, damselflies and dragonflies are voracious predators while they're growing underwater, turning into efficient aerial predators once they're on the wing. But humans have nothing to fear! Just watch and enjoy.

• This photo was taken by Kevin Sawford and comes from our own photo library, RSPB Images. Browse to find more breathtaking photos like this (you can order a print or canvas if any takes your fancy).