With the sun out today, out came the dragonflies. I thought the season for these dragons of the sky was over, but as the sun hung on as we entered the autumn, so have a few of the insects.
The sun has got his hat on!
Dragonfly
Green.
Willow Emerald Damselfly and Southern Hawker Dragonfly at Titchfield Haven this morning.
Golden Ringed Deagonfly.
A master of flight, and a fairly commonly spotted dragonfly along many of the small streams at this time of year. Appearance – striking black body with distinctive yellow bands. Green eyes.
Dragons & Damsels.
I spotted these dragonflies and damselflies in the New Forest on yesterday’s walk.
Keeled Skimmer (female)
Keeled Skimmer (male)
Large Red Damselfly.(mating Pair).
Beautiful demoiselle Damselfly.
Along a stream.
On Monday, we walked along a New Forest stream that we regularly visit. There is always something to see and enjoy, and on a bright, warm morning with few people about, you can enjoy nature fully without the distractions of everyday life and have a chance to get into the “zone.”
This old forestry house is a good mile or so off the road, reached by gravel tracks. It is a great place to watch House Martins, as many nest under its eaves. They get an easy meal of insects swooping over the stream. Not the easiest bird to get pictures of due to their size and speed!
As well as the Ponies on the forest, there are cattle these came down for a drink.
A few dragonflies that the House Martins missed.
Along the stream were several Spotted Flycatchers. They are mostly grey-brown in colour with paler streaks, particularly on the head and wings. They has a creamy white breast which is streaked with pale brown.
A small bird, measuring just 14cm in length and weighing in at a maximum of 19g. Adept at snatching flying insects. They visit the UK during the warmer months and are often seen in woodland edges and clearings.
four Spots.
The Four-spotted chaser dragonflies seen here at Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve are easily recognised. Each wing has two dark spots on the leading edge. These spots give this species its name.
Sunday Dragonflies.
Dipping!
This morning, a walk along a New Forest Stream with a good population of Golden Ringed Dragonflies. Many were “dipping” {depositing eggs into the stream}.
Catching lunch.
Watching Dragonflies today reminded me of the 1969 film The Battle of Britain with those airmen engaged in aerial combat in the blue sky over Southern England. There were no Spitfire flights over the Solent today. In flight, combat was taking place, an “Emperor Dragonfly” was on the hunt on the wing chasing and then catching a smaller dragonfly a “Common Darter”. Taking it to a nearby perching stick first killing it by removing its head then eating the contents of the darter’s insides Nature is both cruel and fascinating at the same time. I have witnessed this hunting and killing before of wasps and bees but this was the first dragonfly catching another dragonfly observation for me.
More Dragonflies.
Today’s Dragons of the air from Titchfield haven.
Continued Reflections from my World. 