CTO La Gola
Birding Tourism Center

Many Vagrant Emperors at the end of Ses Puntes track at Albufera, impossible to count, they were flying all around me. I'm a novice when it comes to dragonfly identification, but I think I found a Violet Dropwing and a Common Darter too. I was looking for Plain Tiger butterflies, and saw my first while trying to photograph the Vagrant Emperors, but it didn't settle for a photo.
Stunning photos Clive and good to know Vagrant Emperors are still around, what a year it’s been.
I’m sure you have a Violet dropping there but StewB will confirm no doubt.
We are submitting records of all dragonfly sightings so I can send you the email address if you wouldn’t mind.
I believe some locals and myself are compiling a list and a feature article too. If we can use your photos please, that would be good.
A numbers of us Brits are meeting at 9am on Monday at the depuradora, Albufera, if you are able to join us.
Hope to see you then, Mike
Best guide for dragonflies
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Field-Guide-Dragonflies-Britain-Europe/dp/0953139948
Richard Lewington artwork is awesome
This guy not too bad..
https://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=649209&d=1513900233
Yes - violet dropwing. They’re getting fairly straightforward to find now a bit later in the year. It’s not many years since they arrived (I recall Martin posting some of the first records on the forum).
Common darter too - a good find as they are well outnumbered by red-veined. (There’s no blue at the base of the eyes which would be a re-veined characteristic, and the legs have the pale lines along their length).
The vagrant emperor numbers are just extraordinary. I did a literature search for the notes I produced (thanks Mike S!) and although vagrant emperor was shown as present there were no specific details, so this year’s records are totally unprecedented. I believe that there have been large numbers on eastern Med islands too.
As Mike M says, it looks like dragonfly records are going to be gathered and collated, which I’m certain will bring a whole new perspective on Balearic Odonata. Thanks Clive!
Stew