Time for my first visit of the summer to Slipper Tarn in the middle of the Cragside Estate in Northumberland. It is good for dragonflies on a windy day because it it is sheltered by tall trees on all sides. When I arrived it was cool and grey and there wasn't much activity but I then spotted this beauty resting near the water. It is a male common hawker (Aeshna juncea) and he stayed put for 15 minutes or so while I took a few(!) photos.
The forecast was for rain in the afternoon so I headed back to the car, keeping my eyes peeled and I saw a female dragonfly hunting along the path. Eventually she stopped for a couple of seconds, just long enough for this photo. She is a southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea), so of no interest to the male common hawker I had already seen.
I got back to the car moments before the heavens opened. I'll return soon to see if I can come up with a matching pair of dragonflies.
Thanks Alan. It is a great place. I first read about it on your previous blog so thanks for the introduction. I hope you have a good day and I hope we meet up there again sometime.
I look forward to visiting every year Chris, but like last year I seem to have picked the day they decided to strim the vegetation around the pond. A few Black Darters showing today, the only hawkers were flying around without settling. Will add a report on my blog shortly. Cheers, I'm sure our paths will cross again.
Cracking photos Chris, not easy to get a Common Hawker like that, we're off up there tomorrow, hoping for similar.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alan. It is a great place. I first read about it on your previous blog so thanks for the introduction. I hope you have a good day and I hope we meet up there again sometime.
DeleteI look forward to visiting every year Chris, but like last year I seem to have picked the day they decided to strim the vegetation around the pond. A few Black Darters showing today, the only hawkers were flying around without settling. Will add a report on my blog shortly. Cheers, I'm sure our paths will cross again.
Delete