Magical Migrants

There was a cold northerly wind on Saturday but I decided late morning to pop over to Nethergong to see what was about and hoped a few sheltered spots would deliver some action. We are now entering that period in the year when the leaves are slowly starting to fall off the trees and its really feeling like autumn out there. On arrival, it was cloudy with spells of sunshine so I decided to spend and hour at the eastern end where it was sheltered. I managed to see c25 Willow Emerald Damselfly with most seen in tandem ovipositing into various trees and bushes but it was the Migrant Hawkers that made the trip worthwhile. I watched c15 flying around and every now and then, they would fly close to me to inspect what I was which gave me some lovely views. As they did this, the leaves were falling which reminded me that it won't be too long until the season slowly draws to a close. This made me put the camera down for a while and just took the time to sit back and marvel at them as they busily looked for females to mate with to carry on the next generation. As I walked back along the side of the stream, I noticed a few holding territory which provided me with a few photographic opportunities which I gladly took and a chance to marvel at their colours and patterning. A few Common Darter were noted resting on falling leaves which I have no doubt will provide some excuses for another visit to capture this autumnal shot but only 1 Emerald Damselfly was seen. The season has been a good one to me this year but I hope there are a few more memorable encounters before the final whistle is blown. 

Migrant Hawker (male)