End of Season Dragonflies

On the Isle of Wight at this time there is always the hope of encountering a rarity.However into November and it is the Common Darter that is the dragonfly most likely to be seen in the hedgerows and around the ponds.

Today was no exception as a visit to the ponds of Clamerkin at Newtown produced a count of sixteen darters plus four mating and ovipositing pairs.A sighting too of a male Southern Hawker was a pleasant surprise.

A Late Summer Hawker

The Migrant Hawker is our smallest hawker.Seen mainly from late July to November it likes to breed in sheltered ponds and lakes.Unlike some other hawkers it is generally non-aggressive towards other individuals and can sometimes be seen flying in groups.

Late Season Dragonflies

The pond at Clamerkin,Newtown could be described as my local patch as I have spent many happy hours watching the activities of the resident dragonflies and damselflies.

Even as late in the year as November and given some sunny weather dragonflies can be enjoyed here.

At this time Southern Hawkers are still present along with the autumn dragonfly,the Migrant Hawker. Perhaps the last dragonfly to be active and sometimes still on the wing into December is the Common Darter.