sallypsandpipers favoriter

I discovered the southern wooded paths of Rittman's Nature Preserve late season. There is a river, as well as a wooded marsh and grassy field. It was already too hot and I was too busy to return; but I think it will be a hot spot for damselfly and dragonfly discoveries next spring.

It's a very isolated area (and easy to over-look the RT 57 entrance). Because there were no other walkers, I kept my brief walk confined to the parking area on this day.

The preserve north of the woods a cluster of open ponds, marshes and a lake, with few trees.

Blue-fronted Dancers were visible, and this female was still attached to the abdomen of the male.

Had been paused along the west branch for some time, admiring the thick vegetation in a still pool near a downed tree with three trunks crossing the stream (just N of the mid cut), brought the bins up to scan the vegetation and saw a blur come across FOV. Darner remained, hovering often in one place for 10-20 seconds. My first Shadow Darner, perfect setting and grateful mindset for the encounter.

I spent a long time trying to photograph this Dragonhunter way out over the river in flight. Finally, with no warning, he just flew over and landed on the riverbank 3 feet away from me. I swear he just sat there and grinned at me.