If a large dragonfly flies right up towards you and hovers in front of you the chances are it is a Southern Hawker male. This species is known for it’s ‘lack of respect’ for personal space and for most of us this close up approach is a real bonus as you can clearly see the broad antenhumeral stripes and the continuous bands of colour at the end of the abdomen allowing easy identification. You can also get some great photos as shown here by Geoff Hall.
Elsewhere, Geoff has also been photographing Small Red-eyed Damselflies (below left) seen at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre..a male is pictured here again with the characteristic upturned end of abdomen.
