An odd couple at Slipper Tarn
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.
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.
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