Rob Stokes and I had seen these intensely red Darters the previous day (record shots below) But..... bright red Darters on the wing at the end of May could only point to one species (and yes, outrageously early Ruddy Darters have been completely eliminated!) They remained however, stubbornly patrolling the middle of the pool so close images were never going to be an option.....
These are almost certainly the most appalling quality images I've ever posted in the public domain but right up there with Whiskered Tern, Pallid Harrier :-) I lost count of how many shots were deleted but have you ever tried to photograph medium sized Dragonflies, 50 metres distant? It was exacting work to say the least!
All the identity boxes are ticked: colour, shape and in these two images, the pale stripe on the thorax is clearly seen
In tandem, the female can be seen ovipositing and the red veins / leading edge of the male's wings are also evident.....
To prove there were at least three - here they are :-)
Today's images were no better and I counted at least four males plus the 'busy female this afternoon!
Yes, she was busy laying eggs once again. Wonder if we will see them mature and emerge......
OMG, what an unexpected addition to the Odonata list and just one 'gettable' local breeding species to try and nail - Downy Emerald......
