The more time I spend with these fascinating creatures the more interesting they become. These Eastern Amberwings were very active a few nights ago. I spent about five hours on the edge of the pond documenting whatever I could catch. I'm far from any type of expert but trying to learn all I can. Thanks for taking a look !
OM-1 MK ll Olympus 100-400
Gary
As a side note; I'm finding I'm getting better results foregoing the IBIS and using a tripod.
Searching for a suitable mate
The male grasps the female's head with his claspers
a pair of appendages at the end of his abdomen
Taking cover
A female sitting pretty
Sometimes a male will attempt to drive off another male
A little intimidation ?
Always aware of their surroundings
The female bends her abdomen forward to reach the secondary genitalia
The female deposits eggs underwater where they'll hatch
You may not be an expert on there biology and behaviour yet are are clearly proficient at getting great photos of the dragonflies. I'm enjoying your excellent photos and learning from your descriptions of what you observe.
You may not be an expert on there biology and behaviour yet are are clearly proficient at getting great photos of the dragonflies. I'm enjoying your excellent photos and learning from your descriptions of what you observe.
Morris
thanks Morris. they're really interesting to watch
Great collection, Gary!
They are amazing creatures. I saw a video the other day showing a Dragonfly hunting mosquitoes and gnats in slow motion. Dragonflies have the ability to see a flying insect and in their little Dragonfly brain, they calculate the direction and speed of the prey and a precise angle of attack so they will intercept that insect at a precise spot.
louie champan wrote:
An outstanding sequence of images, the overall IQ in these images is just incredible. These are not easy shots, and you nailed them.
Thanks very much Louie. This combo is ideal for these types of subjects.
gmccroskery wrote:
Great collection, Gary!
They are amazing creatures. I saw a video the other day showing a Dragonfly hunting mosquitoes and gnats in slow motion. Dragonflies have the ability to see a flying insect and in their little Dragonfly brain, they calculate the direction and speed of the prey and a precise angle of attack so they will intercept that insect at a precise spot.
Greg
And they catch their prey 95% of the time making them the most successful hunters in the animal kingdom I've been watching some documentaries. Like you say, just amazing little creatures.
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Ted ellis wrote:
Gary, your dragons are stunners. voted
Terry D wrote:
Wonderful captures Gary. Your technique is masterful because these guys are fast… Don’t I know it! Really enjoyed them all.
Terry
Thanks Terry. Definitely some luck involved also The shot of the female depositing her eggs I'm confident in saying, would be impossible to catch straight up by even the fastest shooters. She doesn't hover, she swoops in and dips in a tiny fraction of a second. I prefocused on the spot she was dipping and probably shot about 500 frames getting maybe two or three where she was in focus.
😳 Wow…3 out of 500 frames……. Smart planning though watching the spot that she was frequenting. I used to do that shooting pro basketball years ago… peak action focused right on the basket just waiting. You know they are going to be there…Very cool. 👍🏻
