Fawn Darner at Fairchild Creek, E of Harrisburg, Hamilton-Wentworth

[Bill Lamond]

Hi,

I flushed this dragonfly late this afternoon (27 October) along the Harrisburg Rail Trail. It flew very slowly and a couple of times I thought I was going to lose it as it was close to going out of sight. Luckily it landed in view. I suspected it would be a Shadow Darner but with binoculars I could see it almost looked like a large emerald. With a closer look I could see it was a battered male Fawn Darner. I approached slowly and was able to catch it by hand. It was only about 10^oC which was the reason it was flying slowly. It is obviously near the end of its life. I doubt there are any females still on the wing. 

I wonder how old it is? Impossible to know but based on its appearance, it has been around for some time.

This is the latest I have ever seen this species. I think I have seen it in early October in the past but never this late. I have attached some poor cell phone pictures.

Bill

[Paul Smith]

Hi all.

Not surprising perhaps but the sunny weather has Autumn Meadowhawks active around the back yard, including this pair ovipositing in the pond. As of yesterday at least 4 had survived the recent frosts here.

Paul