Common Goldenring - Cordulegaster boltonii

[rolf]

Taken at Bowdown Woods reserve, opposite Greenham common.

http://www.thamesvalleybirds.co.uk/p...e-newbury.html

[Catherine]

Amazing the colour variation in Dragonflies. This one looks as if he is wearing a football jersey!

We watched a turquoise-coloured one circle one of the Exbury ponds yesterday - possibly trying to catch smaller flies to eat? Each time he (and I think it must have been a male with the bright colouring) flew back to land on the grass at the side of the pond, before looping over the pond in his food search again.

What birds/other eat Dragonflies?

Just wondering.....

[Chocky]

Excellent capture Rolf

[rolf]

Hadn't seen one of these before, there were lots of smaller Dragonflies and Damsels around, but was limited for time.

Unfortunately Dragonflies are in the middle of the food chain, so fall victim to birds and I guess Bats, in fact I seem to remember seeing footage of one being taken by a Kestrel.

[Chocky]

They are beautiful Rolf. Glad you have seen and captured one .
The first one I saw landed on my shoulder (rather friendly) bit scary