Twice in the last week we picked up what I now know to be a Giant Dragonfly. They were both on the path and the first one was the largest but I didn't have my camera with me. When we lifted it up there was a wasp underneath it and we noticed that the back part of the Dragonfly's body had been eaten away. It was magnificent with a body the size of my little finger.
The second one we found was smaller and seemed to have less gold but I did get a photo.
Just prior to seeing the Dragonfly we saw a couple of Tui and I managed to get a photo of one (black with a white tuft of feathers under the chin) Actually the black turns to wonderful multicoloured sheen in sunlight.
Sophie waiting (patiently or otherwise) while we look at the Dragonfly.
I liked this peeling trunk of a young kauri tree.
This is as far as we walk and Sophie has a swim in the river before we return.
During the week Max' son came up to visit his father and after walking along the river we went to the kauri board walk in A.H. Reed Park and this is a photo him with Doug beside a much larger kauri tree.
We always have stunning Dragonflies that fly around the pool in summer, some of them come indoors too and have to be helped out again. Good to hear that Sophie is well again; it's a common Lab' problem.
ReplyDeleteWe had literally hundreds of them on our previous property but I have never seen this one before.
DeleteI love those transparent wings, and the green shine. What a lovely walk, ,,so glad Sophie is on the mend/ Cheers from Jean
ReplyDeleteI have always loved dragonflies, as you say, their wings are wonderful.
DeleteWow Susan, those trees are HUGE ! Thanks for sharing, & happy Sophie's leg is better. Could I interest you in some Snow, as we do have lots.
ReplyDeleteCan't remember the last time I was in snow - maybe 1972. Could do with some on our warmer days (30 degrees C and not even hot where you live)
DeleteThat sounds a bit macabre, the wasp thingy. I wonder if that was what killed it.
ReplyDeleteBriony
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No, it was still alive just had the end of its body missing.
DeleteWhat a lovely place to walk.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many different species of plants, animals, birds and insects on the other side of the world, it was nice to read that we share the dragonfly.
I just love it here - this bush walk is almost in the centre of the town.
DeleteDragonflies are beautiful little creatures. So glad that Sophie's leg is better and that you're able to go on your walks again
ReplyDeleteYes, it is good for us all to go for our daily walks and in such a wonderful place.
DeleteI believe that is the European Hornet that killed the dragonfly, they are an invasive species. So happy to hear that Sophie's leg is doing better.
ReplyDeleteIt was what we call a Waikato or German wasp and is the same colouring as the dragonfly.
DeleteIsn't that such a lovely walk through there Susan. I miss having Kaeli to walk with *sniff* but she has gone to live with Rosie, my daughter in Hamilton.
ReplyDeleteGosh, those dragonflies are magnificent, as is your scenery, Susan. I really do think dogs are a wonderful prod towards regular exercise. Perhaps we should get one.
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