There’s always something magical when nature decides to share itself with you. I’m no dragon whisperer but this Keeled Skimmer came to rest on my hand the other day. To be fair I think it was more about the warmth from my finger than something deep and eitheral between us … either way I enjoyed it. :o)
This year has been the best I can remember in Norfolk for Keeled Skimmer.
A female Keeled Skimmer. These seem to be increasing in range of late as I’m coming across them away from their usual haunts.
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While out on a walk with others last month we saw a female Keeled Skimmer alight on nearby vegetation. I fired off a few shots. It was only when I got home and took a close look at the photos did I see the cluster of Water Mite Larvae the dragonfly was carrying. I’ve seen these previously on dragonflies but perhaps never as many on one individual and certainly I’ve never seen them around the head before.
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When you read the description of a Black Darter it says that it’s a very diminutive dragonfly mainly black in colour. Not something you would normally write home about. Well …the males anyway.
Last month we paid a visit to the acid bogs around The Wash. Small pools here among the heather held Dragonflies galore. Among them were Black Darters. Only just bigger than a damselfly they were easily overlooked; until we saw the females; like little girls in bright summer dresses dancing among the matching luminescent yellow Bog Asphodel. Unmistakable.
Keeled Skimmers with lace like wings were also patrolling the ponds.
A wonderful place with some specialised wildlife.
As always click each photo to enlarge.
Letter From Norfolk 