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Post by duncan74 on Aug 16, 2018 15:16:28 GMT
Hi Folks, Went for a walk this morning and counted 9 Migrant Hawkers Aeshna mixta all within about 60 metres of each other, so took some photos, all were male, most were immature, the first 2 are immature, the triangle on the thorax is still white and the eyes are pale, the next two are mature males. The triangle in a mature adult male is yellow and the eyes are blue, the close up of the head and blue eyes show two small narrow yellow ante-humerals just behind the eyes on the thorax, the costa along the leading edges of the wings are black, these are some of the distinguishing features of this species along with the blue spots on the 9th and 10th segments. There was a count of 30 Migrant hawkers in the recording area at Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory this morning suggesting an influx of this species. Duncan Immature male Migrant Hawkerby Duncan Mclean, on Flickr Immature male Migrant Hawker by Duncan Mclean, on Flickr Mature male Migrant Hawker by Duncan Mclean, on Flickr Mature male Migrant Hawker by Duncan Mclean, on Flickr Mature male Migrant Hawker has blue eyesby Duncan Mclean, on Flickr
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Post by aeshna5 on Aug 16, 2018 16:48:21 GMT
Some excellent photos of this species, Duncan. As its name suggest it is well known as a migrant as well as a common resident species. It also used to be known as Scarce Hawker which would be inappropriate now. Over the last couple of decades it has truly expanded its range + can now be found into Scotland + Ireland too.
Dragonflies have really been dynamic in expanding + new species colonising. Certainly been a record year doe the recent colonist, Southern (Blue-eyed) Hawker with records from as far north as Yorkshire + west to Cornwall + a real consolidation in the Essex/Kent strongholds. I was lucky to see over 20 on Canvey Island though somebody counted over 50 there. Norfolk Hawkers also turning up in many new places. Exciting times to be a dragonfly enthusiast!
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Post by duncan74 on Aug 16, 2018 18:02:57 GMT
It certainly is Aeshna, Norfolk Hawkers are down Sandwich bay area as well as the first Southern Migrant Hawker Aeshna affinis, first for the observatory, lots of new species coming in these days. Check out SBBOT website for news of them. Duncan
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Post by ianr on Aug 17, 2018 7:07:23 GMT
Great shots duncan I've seen these flying about never managed a decent photo nor an ID ian
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Post by aeshna5 on Aug 20, 2018 16:29:17 GMT
At work today there was a group of at least 18 Migrant Hawkers flying beside an oak in a garden. Biggest assemblage I've seen for a few years.
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