With the weekend here at last and some nice warm sunshine forecast for today, I was dropped off at Nethergong at 09:30am where I spent five hours wandering around the site enjoying the delights that autumn has to offer. With most species having now had there day for another season, we are left with the classic Common Darters, Migrant Hawkers, Southern Hawkers and of course, the Willow Emerald Damselflies. With not too many campers on site, I was able to check a number of areas I otherwise would normally not check and ended up seeing at least 70 Common Darter. There were a number basking in the sunshine which gave me the opportunity to creep up on them and take a number of images.
Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) - male
Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) - female
The stream saw plenty in tandem and quite a number ovipositing and I spent some time in the sunshine having a bite to eat and drink just enjoying the scene of them flying up and down the stream. As the weather warmed up, c30 Migrant Hawker were on the wing and a few were seen basking in the sunshine which enabled the excuse of a few more photos to be taken of this species.
Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) - male
As ever, I was always on the look out for Willow Emerald Damselflies and after a very slow start before midday, they started to appear and I ended up seeing and excellent total of 75 Willow Emerald Damselfly. A few males were seen on territory along the stream and around the lake but most were either seen in tandem or ovipositing. It appears to have been a very good season for the species after a slow start but hopefully they can continue in this good weather to prepare for the next generation next year. With the camping season nearly over at Nethergong for another year, it won't be long until I have the site to myself to wander around and enjoy the late autumn dragonflies and damselflies that this excellent site has to offer.
Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) - male
The close-up of the Common Darter are exquisite Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. Such amazing details in these small insects.
DeleteA delight to view your photos, Marc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Wilma. Very much appreciated.
DeleteGreat shots, Marc. I particularly like the last darter image and the last hawker image (the light on the wings in that last one makes it special to my eyes). Seems your having somewhat better weather than us - had difficulty scraping the ice off the car a few days ago! Best wishes - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. It's been quite nice and warm the past few days down here and no surprise that's there's quite a bit on the wing. Hopefully this will continue before the cold days appear.
DeleteStill keeping busy Marc. Good shooting. Mike.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed Mike. Things will be slowing down soon so I've got to make the most of the next few weeks I suspect. Hopefully the weather will stay nice for a while, especially the weekends so I can get out.
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