Migrant Hawker Dragonfly -Aeshna mixta

[ladylouise62]

One of my visitors (who also brought a friend!). The first shot is actually through the front window - less than 2 ft way, so I didn't even have to leave the house! When it flew off I hoped it would go around the back, which it did, and the second shot is it half way up the side of the house on the dead Ivy.

I'm confused by the colouring as it seems to be a dove grey rather than a blue, but other than that it appears to be one of these.. and seems less like any of the others It's the same colour as the one I got last year so it must be 'standard issue' rather than an aberration.

[Chocky]

This is because it is a Teneral. They do fly around if disturbed and should not be netted whist drying out
The colour will become more intense and his legs will become all black

[rolf]

What's pale, soft and fights Indians?
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Teneral Custer

[ladylouise62]

LOL

[ladylouise62]

That's what I thought last year, Beryl, (in fact that's what I posted as a suggestiond) but I have had either the same one repeatedly visiting or a number all coming to my house with this colouring.. and I'm not near enough to water to have loads.. and to be honest I'm not near enough water to expect to have a Teneral hardening himself out in my garden, either... it would have flown a long way to sit and dry itself here.

[Chocky]

But a neighbor may have a pond . My son has a small pond and has emperors also if there is a water relief near by.

Second photo down
Here

The whole article is good reading. The fourth paragraph down may help.

Here