Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta)

Quick ID Guide

The Migrant Hawker

This hawker is one of the later dragonflies to emerge, appearing in late July to early August and can be seen on the wing into October. It is also one of the smallest hawker dragonflies in the United kingdom.

This was once as its name suggests a very rare migrant to our shores but it has now becomevery well established in the south and east of England. It is now gradually extending its range north westwards year on year.

This is perhaps the most common of the Hawker Dragonflies within its specified range and can often be observed in quite large numbers.

The Migrant Hawker favours well vegetated lakes, ponds and canals but can also be seen on slow flowing water.

The male has vibrant blue abdominal spots throughout its length and a yellow triangle on segment two. Its eyes are steel blue and the wings clear with black costa's. The thorax is brown with two small yellow antehumeral stripes.

The female is mainly brown in colour with yellow spots on its abdomen. It eyes are brown and the wings are clear. Immature specimens are duller in colour with lilac abdominal markings.

Photographic Overview - The Migrant Hawker

All of my images are taken in handheld mode without the use of any camera support and this overview is written with that in mind.

This can be one of the more obliging hawkers to photograph and some really good close up shots are possible. Both sexes are relatively approachable; however encounters with females are some what rarer than with the male, so once located do not miss your opportunity to capture a few images.

To be honest there are few compositional issues and once located a subject will tolerate all types of shots and from most angles. Top down shots require only a moderate depth of field setting as the species tend to perch in a rigid crucifix position; however if you are experimenting with other angles then remember to maximise the settings to retain focus on the wing tips, it is very easy to forget this point and it will spoil a good image.

In sunny weather some digital camera's will not faithfully reproduce the blue spots on the abdomen which can appear pale or even white in your images. The solution is to alter the angle of your shot or try to find a subject that is slightly shaded.

If you want to know more about this species, then follow this link - To Narrative

Like to see further images of this dragonfly, then follow this link - To Further Images

If you want to see the best of these images, then follow this link - To Slide Show

These images were obtained by stealth and patience alone, no other non photographic techniques were used. I hope you have enjoyed browsing my website and that you'll return again soon.

Page Updated 09/11

All of these photographs were taken by and remain the property of Chris Brooks

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