Dragonflies are predators that voraciously consume other bugs. Their hunting strategies are similar to those used by predator birds: Some watch for prey from a perch; Some hunt on the wing. Below is an example of each.
This is a Cherry-faced Meadowhawk, a percher. If a delectable insect flies by, the meadowhawk goes after it.
Darners are fliers. When hunting they are on an endless patrol (which makes them a challenge to photograph). This one is probably a Paddle-tailed Darner.
This is the last thing a mosquito would see.
Wonderful Alistair! I didn’t know the name but was pretty close when I said the darn things were teasing me. I’ve had a lot of fun and frustration this week trying to get some useable pictures.
Lorna, chuckle. Yes, a darner in flight is a frustrating subject for photography.
Wow. Terrific pictures. Are you using a Nikon Micro?
Arnie, I have used a Nikon macro (or as they claim, a micro) in the past, but these were shot with a close-focussing 300mm. The dragonflies are too small and fast for the auto focus (it chooses the background), so these are all focused by hand. As you might guess, the yield of useable pictures is very low, but now and then….
Thank you for sharing, your efforts are appreciated. Your camera has become an appendage always close at hand.
Very nice flight shots.