It’s dragonfly time!
Just when the birds disappear behind the trees’ leafy boughs, the dragonflies emerge to take their place in Nature’s line-up of masterly aviators.
Earlier this week I spent over 30 minutes watching these magnificent Broad-bodied chasers (Libellula depressa), two males circling and defending their territories from each other, keeping watch from their favourite perches, mating with two females, and those females then depositing their eggs amongst the water plants. It was magical!
Yes, the birds are very difficult at the moment although we are overrun with House Sparrows, Goldfinches, Nuthatches and a healthy population of Great Spotted Woodpeckers. However, I do like the opportunity of photographing insects and flowers, I love macro work.
I rather envy you being so overrun – enjoy!
Oh, I do, Annie. This week I have been blessed with seeing a pair of Redstarts collecting food for their brood somewhere nearby. There is more wildlife where I live than some of the places I visit. I love where I live 🙂
It certainly sounds wonderful and I really enjoyed your Redstart photos. 🙂
Stunning photos, Annie 🙂 I love both the male and female colouration. I have yet to see any by our local river or ponds this season, but still plenty of time.
Thanks very much, Pete. My patience paid off with these ones. And I’ve only started seeing dragonflies in the last week so, yes, plenty of time yet. Will look forward to your pics. 🙂