Emperor Dragonfly (Anax Imperator) Male in Whiteley Woods
Emperor Dragonflies are rightly named as they are the fastest flying, most agile and most aggressive species in the UK, so I was having a tough time trying to photograph this male in flight, when suddenly along came another. Not surprisingly this lead immediately to a fight, with much clattering and buzzing of wings, but it wasn't long before this chap flew straight to ground and hid in the grass. I've never seen this kind of behaviour before, especially from an Emperor, so I think he sustained an injury, probably a bite. I got in quite close to take this shot, but I then thought I should leave him alone to recover.
(16th February 2021)
