Appetites

1.
I returned to the small pond today, hoping to see the Unicorn Clubtail. I did, but it dodged me and my camera. I am ravenous for new odonates.

2.
One new sight I wish I hadn't seen was an emergent Comet Darner, whose abdomen never fully emerged from the exuvia. All of the mature color had already set it, indicating the darner had been there some time. I wonder if I will see it again tomorrow, or if, by then, someone will have eaten it.

3.
This Amber-winged Spreadwing snagged breakfast and ate it quickly as I filmed it. All gone within just a couple of minutes. He looks small and thin, but the fuel he requires for the hard work of flying and mating is large, as his appetite.

Christmas in May

Like a Santa gift, Anax longipes or Comet Darner (once known as Long-legged Green Darner) hangs from a low stem like an old-fashioned glass ornament of considerable size (3 to 3.4 inches).

Sometimes a woods walk (despite two large tick tag-alongs) is worth the risk.