Dragons by the Pond!

Dragonflies are very active in the sun and heat!! They have 2 sets of wings so they can fly straight up or down, go backwards, fly upside down and hover to pursue and capture prey. They have nearly 360-degree vision which allows them to detect and quickly hunt down their food.

https://www.ontarioparks.ca/parksblog/emergence-of-the-dragonhunter/

Twelve-spotted Skimmer: Males are aggressive and chase other species as well as their own. During competitive displays, males will hover face to face. They have even hovered face to face with me!!

https://onnaturemagazine.com/odonata-guide.html

Darner Dragonfly Nymph: I consulted with a biologist who suggested this is a Darner. Identifying the exact species is difficult as more detail is required than is visible in the photo. It is most likely a Green Darner since they are common in the area. Nymphs don't usually swim at the water's surface. It was likely ready for its final moult and was looking for a place to climb out of the water to spread and dry its wings! Depending on the species, dragonfly nymphs can live for up to 4 years under the water, moulting up to 17 times before developing wings and becoming an adult. Adult life is generally a few weeks at most.

Green Darner at rest

Green Darner pair, laying eggs

The same Green Darner pair deposited eggs at several locations in the small pond.

Common Whitetail - male

Widow Skimmer - female

Blue Dasher

Back view of a Black Saddlebags.

Dragonhunter! This very large dragonfly caught my attention and I was lucky that it stopped for a rest! I knew immediately that it wasn't one of the regular species found in the area! Some refer to this species as "King of the Dragonflies". It often hunts other dragonflies, eating them head first! I've been told that it may be the first record in Lambton County for the species!

https://www.ontarioparks.ca/parksblog/emergence-of-the-dragonhunter/