A few weeks ago I was sitting on the central garden terrace sipping tea and watching the little titmice bathing. Somehow my eyes fell upon this creature resting on a glad. How I ever saw that thing from the distance away from it that I was sitting I have no idea. Well, I find this sort of insect enormously interesting. I do not see that many of this sort even though I have still canals on two sides of one of the allotments. I see damselflies with regularity, but not these big dragonflies. We call them Libelle's and this sort has the name of "Glassnijder" (Brachtron pratense). Glassnijder translates into, "Glass cutter". I do not know why it has that name. De Glassnijder is usually one of the FIRST dragonflies to show itself in the summer...what this one is doing out so late, I do not know. This fellow was quite gentle and let me walk around on all sides to take fotos, both up close and far away. Whether you like the insect or not, you have to admit that it is a lovely thing to behold.
Wow! Cool photos Sjoerd. That is an amazing creature,and it did such a nice job of posing for you! Nature has such beautiful colors.
Lovely photos! I love dragonflies--they have a special meaning for me and my husband. We took Master Naturalist training, and the chapter we belonged to had the dragonfly as its emblem. When we hit 1000 hours of volunteer time, we got a platinum dragonfly pin. Here on the farm we have scads of dragonflies. They are down by the pond, in the flower gardens, and even visit the vegetable gardens. I'll try to get a photo of some of ours, but I'm not a great photographer like you, Sojerd!
Superb photographs Sjeord of the Hairy Dragonfly, Früher Schilfjäger, Glassnijder (Brachytron pratense.) I've always been fascinated by damselflies and dragonflies and try to get pictures of as many species as I can find.
I love the color of blue it is displaying especially with the pattern on its abdomen/tail. What a stunning Dragonfly and what great pictures.
It is a lovely thing, Sjoerd. Well caught. I quite like them. Here they're called "eye stingers" but I don't know why. It just sounds scary, but I don't think they're scary at all.
Thanks KAY, that thing did pose nicely for me, didn't he. Very considerate. Thank you NETTY--it's nice when they sit still for you. Thank you, MG-- I like them too. That is an interesting connection between you, your man and dragonflies. I would like to see your dragonflies too, if you can capture them on film. Thank you EILEEN-- They are fascinating creatures alright...also their larval stage is a particular grusome one...but what colours as adults! If you have some pics of your damselflies and dragonflies, I'd like to see them. Thank you FRANK-- Yes, the hard to explain finish on these insects is remarkable...."chrome"--that's a good description. The eyes are particularly fascinating--they look like they have superficial colour that has depth. Hard to explain. Thanks so much, FF-- yes, the colours are very attractive. It it attractive from head to tail. Thanks DROOPY--"Eyestinger"! What a name. It is interesting to learn the names for this insect in other countries. "Eyestinger"---ouch!
Great capture and excellent photo. I have captured a few this year but my photos are not as clear. Love the closeup of the face, good job!
Thanks loads, Gail-- It was a situation where all the conditions were right....so it was just a case of making a couple of adjustments and then....klik!---klaar is Kees, as we say. I asm glad that you liked the fotos thouigh...and perhaps you will show some of yours. That would be nice. perhaps there are other sorts there where you live. There are several different kinds here--I was just lucky that this particular one stopped by. There are other sorts that are not nearly so colourful.
Great photos, Sjoerd. I always thought you only saw them around lakes and other water sites so I was very surprised to find them in my backyard after I started gardening. They have become more numerous with all the pots of water plants I have too. I got a pretty good photo of what I think is a Libellula saturata aka Flame Skimmer in the front yard last week. I will get it posted today. The photo isn't as good as yours but I have been hinting for a new camera for christmas
Thank you, CHERYL--That is a very nice thing to say. Thank you, TONI--Oh, I can't hardly wait to see a pic of the Flame Skimmer. What a name, eh? It really evokes an exciting image.
awesome looking dragonfly there sjoerd! we have lots of them here too by the duck p[ond, but none that color! i was thinking 'glass cutter', and thinking tinted glass?!
