I've been complaining all summer that the dragonflies are in somewhat short supply this year, and although I'd managed to photograph some broad-bodied chasers earlier in the year, the common darter had been remarkable by its absence. But warm weather (much welcomed, if unexpected) has its uses, and today I found several darters flitting over the local dew pond. And as with yesterday's spiders, they were in something of a frisky mood.
Although the numbers were low (maybe half a dozen), they did occasionally come to rest on the fence around the pond. What I like about them is they are very persistent. If you approach slowly they may flit into the air, but if you wait a moment they almost invariably return to the same resting point. Hence you can slowly approach for some close-ups.
Heading back to work, I spotted a bird flying overhead. I couldn't identify it on the wing other than to realize it wasn't one of the regulars. I grabbed a few quick shots (the rest are in the September Birds album), and it was only when I processed them that I was able to identify it as a Jay, carrying what looks like an acorn.
That's the first and second part of the title dealt with. Now for the tail…
That's the nicked-ear vixen disappearing under the fence. She's the only fox we get to see at the moment, and often that's the view she offers. She's unpredictable, and is as likely to depart in a hurry as to hang around. As it happens, this evening she relented and returned to the garden after a minute or so.
Camera note: dragonfly flight shots and jay photographed with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens; the close-ups were with the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG macro lens; and the vixen posed in front of the EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens.
16 Comments
Nice- good to see the dragonflies back 🙂
I don't think mid-2008 is going to go down as a good period for wildlife photography…
Not a classic year by a long shot, but it's taught me a little about shooting in low light 🙁
Wonderful collection of shots! Difficult shots of the dragonflies in flight – you did a great job!
those common darter shots are fantastic, especially the first one and the close up
Lovelly photos and Nicked Ear looks beautifl :heart: 😀
The closeup of the darter is fantastic, and the nicked-ear vixen is so pretty. I wonder where the rest of your gang are. I learnt over the weekend that the SV has been hanging around in my neighbour's garden all summer – I haven't seen her myself in weeks! Oh well, I'm sure she'll come back across the fence eventually.
Thanks Lois. I get a high percentage of missed shots, but it's worth the effort. It's mainly fixing the focus approximately and waiting for the dragonfly to enter the shot. I gave up 'chasing' them with the camera a long while ago. Utterly fruitless task.
Neil, thanks. I was pleased with the first one in particular. The close-ups are fun, but quite easy.
Adele, it will be interesting to see if the dog fox re-emerges at some point. We're used to his disappearances so I no longer worry if he is absent for a while. It's good to hear news of the SV, but funny how they adopt a garden like that and ignore old haunts. There seems little rhyme or reason behind some of their behaviour.
Mark, thanks. Nicked-ear is very pretty. I hope she stays around over the winter, but you can never tell.
WOW! The face of the darter! Amazing Words! The nick-ear vixen photo is truly awesome. :up: Glad the weather is cooperating. 🙂
Super shots! :up: I especially love the closup portrait of the darter (what a smile! 😀 ) and the beautiful NEV. 🙂
Love the Common Darter close up! Great detail. Also like the 'tail' shot! :up:
FB, thanks.
Cynthia. thanks. The darters are great fun to photograph.
Vulpes, the tail shot is an all too frequent sight. I have variations on that theme all over the garden.