Still on the Wing!

With some sunshine forecast for late morning and temperatures about 10 degrees celsius, I thought I would have a drive over to Nethergong in the hope that a few sheltered areas may be warm enough to tempt a few dragonflies out on the wing. I arrived late morning in the sunshine and after getting ready, headed for a few likely areas.

Nethergong Sunny Sheltered Path

As I walked through all the fallen leaves and marveled at the autumnal colours, I saw the first of 9 Common Darter seen today when one appeared from the path in front of me and after a brief fly around, soon returned to his preferred leaf to bask in the sunshine. I didn't pack the macro lens today so used the trusty Canon 300mm lens and took a number of shots.

Common Darter (male)

I carried on to the eastern end of the site where I knew most of the area would be in sun and searching here produced 8 Common Darter which kept me entertained for a while as I watched and photographed them among the leaves and autumn colours.

Common Darter (male)

Most were in good condition and it was nice to see a mating pair hiding in amongst the leaves which provided some more action for the camera.

Common Darters (mating pair)

It was indeed quite warm here and it was nice to still see 1 Migrant Hawker on the wing and best of all, 1 Willow Emerald Damselfly was seen flying up from the ditch where it perched high up in a tree. I suspect this might be the last dragonflies and damselflies I see this year unless next weekend delivers some nice sunshine, but its been a superb season both for studying and photographing and I'm already looking forward to next years season already. With winter knocking on the door, I expect I will turn to finding and photographing the nymphs of a few species I encounter on my travels. That will hopefully keep me busy and interested through the colder months.