First Dragonfly of the 2022 season anywhere. This female in SK17 and early for this 370m elevation: May 19th.
Female: May 21st.
This and the next image are poor but genuine Goyt Valley. This female had to be shot on-the-wing which is not easy. She was ovipositing (laying eggs in the water during flight). This one at Pond Number One and proves they are indigenous: June 25th.
Another genuine Goyt Valley image and this male illustrates a difficulty with shooting Dragonflies, given the awful background. There is a need to get low down so you can avoid density of background if possible. where there is time to plan and the physical possibility, some minor gardening can be carried out first in the area behind a proposed shot. The males tend to linger at ponds. The females hide in bushes when not mating or ovipositing. It is however, for my pusposes, proof of sighting and breeding at the pond: June 25th.
This is a rare opportunity to snap a male resting (probably feeding), away from the pond. Higher up in less dense surroundings, makes for a more presentable image. Sometimes getting very low down can help, if it is possible. But you need to be dressed for that and risk getting muddy. These are an early-in-the-season species along with the Four-spotted Chaser: June 17th.
May 31st.
June 2nd. 2023
Female hiding away from the pond and eating: June 2nd. 2023
June 3rd. 2023
A Goyt Valley specimen East of the Errwood: July 23rd. 2024
The same as last four days later. A back view. Took another lens to get the angle: July 26th. 2024
