Help with Dragonfly ID (1 Viewer)

Jasonbirder

Jason-occasional-twitcher

• Jun 4, 2003

• #1

Whilst at the Red-footed Falcons at Hickling Broad I had views of a Dragonfly which I suspect may have been a Norfolk Hawker, however I am now doubting my own ID, having found out how rare they actually are:-
I noted the following

Large, Hawker in Jizz
Clear Wings
Brown Body
It was the 2nd of June when I saw it and the location was Hickling Broad.

Does anyone have any ID suggestions from that brief description?

Many thanks in advance.

 

C

cjay

Well-known member

• Jun 4, 2003

• #2

Clear Wings & Brown Abdomen smacks Norfolk Hawker.
The flight period is from Late May, so yes I would say you are correct. Brown Hawker always has Brown wing venation so you cannot fail to mix the two up.

Well done!

CJ

 

Karl J

Well-known member

• Jun 4, 2003

• #3

I have to say I am most envious .... have been on the look for these myself

I'm told Hickling is a good area to see them. An id tip I was given the other day was to look for the green eyes.

Excellent !

 

Richard Ford

BF Member

• Jun 4, 2003

• #4

Well I am no expert, but my book says Norfolk hawkers emerge in early June, and I assume the location is likely.
However Common and Migrate hawkers would also be possible and the females particularly could look Brown unless you got a really good look at the markings. Like I said I have only a little experience with these insects, but Norfolk hawker looks a very light brown in my book.
I guess only you know how brown it was.

I hope that helps

All the best

Rich

 

H

HH75

Well-known member

• Jun 5, 2003

• #5

Hi Rich,
Common and Migrant Hawker shouldn't be out yet!
Harry

 

Richard Ford

BF Member

• Jun 5, 2003

• #6

I did look it up last night and their emergence times were I think July for migrant, yes I know early, and mid June for Common, If I have remembered correctly. Certainly down here the Dragonfly season has kicked off in a big way due to the high temperatures, and some species are out early. So i thought maybe it could be possible, i could be wrong.
Anyhow good for Jason if it was a Norfolk Hawker.
http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/mffanisofull.htm

Rich