There be dragons

[Birma]

I've been trying to photograph birds in flight and this has tempted me in to trying other flying things; dragonflies. Previously I've only considered them when stationery, but I thought I might give them a try while flying.

These Southern Hawkers are fairly big (3" long) and briefly hover occasionally which gives you a slight chance to capture them inflight.

I couldn't get a shot with AF, but with MF and focus peaking I did get a few keepers.

2016 Monkwood - Southern Hawker banking by -Birm-

2016 Monkwood - Dragon Fly Reflections -S by -Birm-

Both with A99 and SAL 70-400 mk1.

[bakubo]

Those are cool! They usually flit around a lot and they are small so it can be difficult to catch them. You did good!

[sury]

Great captures Andy. Excellent timing. I am sure it required considerable patience.

Sury

[Birma]

Thanks Henry and Sury

They are tricky subjects and I missed far more than I got. This particular species are quite inquisitive and if you stand near their patrol area they will fly over to check you out. They got so close when doing this they were closer than the minimum focus distance of the 70-400. I may have to try with the 90mm macro next time

[the_hefay]

Bravo! excellent captures.

[Birma]

Cheers Jeff

[gio67]

well done Birma, what time of day did you capture these ?, I believe they are normally lethargic first thing in the morning before their blood warms up, a good steady hand and focusing there too

[Birma]

Thanks Gio67

You're right that they take a bit of warmth to get going. I understand that many people go early to hopefully catch them up in their overnight roosts. I wanted to get pictures of them flying and so i left it until the afternoon. The different species rest and fly to varying degrees. The Southern Hawkers will hover momentarily while they carry out regular circuits of their territory, although they infrequently land. I spent a lots of time watching them, and then took a lot of pictures to get a few in focus. Fast shutter speed, high iso, and focus peaking was what I found most successful.

[Ossie]

Birma

Congratulations on capturing these shots. I find it hard enough to get a decent shot of birds in flight let alone Dragonflies.

Ossie

[Birma]

Thanks Ossie! You have many fabulous bird pictures and I consider that a huge compliment

[ValeryD]

It's great shot! Difficult one, but you did very good, especially with timing.

[Birma]

Thanks Valery, it needed some patience and persistence, but I was pleased by the result.