Migrant Hawkers

We have recently returned from our family Holiday in South Devon, where we saw Gold-ringed Dragonflies, without really looking for them. My first local trip was to Ditchford on 27 August. Here there were 50+ Migrant Hawkers, many at territory allowing me to practice my in-flight photography techniques. These are two of my favourites.

Stanwick Lakes

Common Blue Damselflies were busy fighting for what few females were available, although there were few males around to be honest. The above photos show a single male in flight and a group of males hovering around a submerged female. Also, in amongst the Common Blues was a single Small Red-eye, a first for Stanwick Lakes, a few Black-tailed Skimmer, Common Darter and a single male Emperor.

Warmer conditions on Friday lead to some activity at Yardley Chase, mainly Emerald Damselflues, Ruddy Darter and Brown Hawker. I managed to capture a Common Darter in flight, Ruddy Darter mating and an oviposting Brown Hawker.