I'd decided to have a run out to the east of Leicestershire to see if I could find any Little Owls, as they have been worryingly thin on the ground lately. I didn't see any on my outward run so headed off to Launde Abbey to see if the small pond by the road junction held any dragonflies.
To my surprise, there were more dragonflies there than I'd ever seen before, although they were all Common Darters. What is more, almost all of them were either engaged in mating or in ovipositing in tandem.
Here are a couple of males that I found, which were not preoccupied with the mating process!
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| Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) (male) - Launde Abbey |
Here are a couple of shots of mating pairs.
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| Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) (mating pair) - Launde Abbey |
And here are some shots of these dragonflies ovipositing. They fly in tandem and the male positions the female so that she dips the end of her abdomen into the water to oviposit.
Hopefully, the last few images will give some idea of the orgiastic atmosphere of the situation!
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| Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) (pair ovipositing) - Launde Abbey |
There were times when I got four and five pairs in shot, but the focus on some of the pairs was way out.
I had limited time available here but, shortly after departing, I had a pleasant short session with a Red Kite.
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| Red Kite (Milvus milvus) - near Launde Abbey |
Sadly, no owls were seen on the homeward run either.
I returned to Launde Abbey with Lindsay nine days later - we had a most enjoyable lunch there - and a very quick stop by the pond showed that the Common Darters were still at it! I hope this means a strong population next year - I understand that the larvae take just a year to develop.
Thank you for dropping by. I'm currently unsure what my next post will feature.
What lovely set of photos showing them flying in tandem and ovipositing. I would be really pleased with them myself. As for the Red Kite, one of my favourite birds. Excellent photos of them.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marc, for those kind words. It's always good to see a Red Kite - such graceful flyers! Best wishes - - Richard
DeleteCongratulations! Awesome great bird! Have a good night;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anne. It was a very windy night - not caused by anything I ate, but by the tail-end of Hurricane Ophelia! Best wishes - - - Richard
DeleteSorry that you did not get to see the owls but the red kite is beautiful. Wow, love is really in the air for the dragonflies and same amazing photos.
ReplyDeleteNigel came in from the garden yesterday saying he had just seen a huge dragonfly, it was gone almost before he saw it apparently so I had no chance :-( Sigh,
Have a good week,best wishes Diane
Sorry to hear that you missed getting a shot of the dragonfly, Diane. You'll have tyo get Nigel to be a bit quicker next time!
DeleteI hope that all is well with you, as there has been some strange weather lately. Best wishes - - - Richard
A productive day. I will have to get owling as I can hear them most evenings and nights.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing some owl photos from you, Adrian! Best wishes - - - Richard
DeleteOne of my favourites, Red Kite, superb. Well shot in flight, cheers Richard.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bob. They are really magnificent to watch when in flight. Best wishes - - - Richard
DeleteI had a few new'ish sites this summer yet have failed to connect again with the LO's since August.
ReplyDeleteYou can't beat Red Kites, seriously love seeing them.
The Little Owl situation is absolutely dire at my old sites, Doug, and I confess to not having seen a Little Owl since 18th August. I'm hoping to find the time soon to start looking for owls again in earnest. I have been a bit distracted by other things of late.
DeleteIt's always exciting to watch a Red Kite - fabulous birds!
Best wishes - - - Richard
Lovely post again Richard and great to see you take time to observe even the most common of dragons!
ReplyDeleteOn picture n°5 the male is quite immature, nevertheless ready to breed!!
My, your latest comment is right on the spot although I began this journey a long time ago since my mom's death in 71. But my ordeal in 2015 increased many folds this thirst of enquiring about the (holographic) universe and its dimensions we live in. I am hoping the answers I am getting are right, that not all is lost and that we will be reunited with our loved ones in a different dimension after our earthly experience.
My best wishes and warm hugs to share with Lindsay :)
Thank you, Noushka. It was such a spectacle with this mass mating and ovipositing taking place, that I couldn't help but be enthralled. I had noticed that male in No.5 and was quite surprised.
DeleteI hope I didn't stir things up too much with my comment, but 2015 was in my mind as I read your post.
Take good care. With my very best wishes - - - Richard
Hello Richard
ReplyDeletefascinating pictures, the dragonflies first-class sharp and with very beautiful light and then the red kite, where you can see very nice details
super beautiful photographed
Greetings Frank
Thank you, Frank, for your kind words. It was a very enjoyable day, even if I didn't see any owls! With my best wishes - - - Richard
DeleteThe Red Kite flight shots are superb, Richard. You have really captured the essence of their grace in the sky. We arrived back home last evening. Today will be a day of shopping, laundry etc. and tomorrow it's back to normal!
ReplyDeleteHi David. It's good to see you back. I'm very much looking forward to seeing your Slovenia and Croatia blog posts.
DeleteRed Kites have to be amongst the most graceful of flyers - always a delight to watch!
My love to you both - - Richard
Gorgeous and sharp pictures of the dragonfly and the pairings.
ReplyDeleteReally great to see and a compliment for these footgraphs.
The red cloak is jealous. Beautiful robber in flight.
Fantastic blog.
Best regards, Helma
Thank you, Helma, for your kind words. Seeing a Red Kite in flight is a joyful experience.
DeleteWith my very best wishes - - - Richard
Hello Richard, what amazing captures of the dragonflies. But The Red Kite is the topper for me. Amzing birds and amzing captures! Regards, Roos
ReplyDeleteThank you, Roos. I had an interesting time with the dragonflies, and the Red Kite afterwards was the icing on the cake! I was sad that I didn't see any owls, however.
DeleteWith my very best wishes - - - Richard