Lynchcombe Steps
Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB4_8412. Today was the hottest October day since records began and many insects were taking some early autumn sun. This included Comma butterflies which I had seen amount out in large numbers. So after work yesterday I headed off to the Somerset Wildlife Trust of Lynchcombe in the Mendips. As hoped I saw several Commas but in the heat they passed by too quick to photograph.
After a period I gave up on commas and turned to darters which return to the same perch over and over again. The evening was punctuated by low sun which provided the opportunity for a backlit image. The day was so hot that the darter was raising its tail to reduce its surface area exposed to sun.
Gorgeous shot! What camera/lens do you use? I love the texture and lighting of both the dragonfly and its perch, very vivid!
Many thanks for your comment. I use a Nikon D200 and a Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro lens. The camera is getting on a bit by today’s standard but the lens is great.