British Dragonflies

[BAW118]

A couple of dragonflies taken at one of the ponds in Epping Forest in the UK.
The first is a Four-spotted libellula. I was a bit disappointed in the background - but the pond water was just that colour.
Second is a Black-lined orthetrum - again taken at one of the Epping Forst ponds.
Both shots were taken with the 5D + EF-185 macro and an EF-1.4 extender. A slight crop on both to get rid of some of the background.

[JimCapaldi]

Great and beautiful captures. Thanks for sharing them.

[davewalters]

Hi - Stunning shots, names aren't quite right though - The correct British names are Four-spotted Chaser and Black-tailed Skimmer, hope you don't mind the correction. I'm on a mission to photograph all the British species but still have around 10 to go - it's taking forever.

[BAW118]

Hi Dave,
Species naming, I have always found confusing.
My field guide lists the Black-lined orthetrum as Orthetrum cancellatrum and Internet search for Black-tailed Skimmer gives it the same latin name. Likewise the Four-spotted libellula and chaser have the same latin name.
So what are the names I have been using European names? Older discontinued name?

[TammieO]

Great shots. I especially like the first one. Razor sharp dragon against a clean background. Can't get much better than that!

[davewalters]

tbh I've never heard either species referred to in that way and I've been involved in Dragonflies for some time. Not sure where they originated - sorry. The standard British field guide these days seems to be Lewington & Brooks, that contains the standard British names.

[SYS]

I just call them "dragonflies" and everyone understands it. :D

Nice and sharp photos!!

[asolie]

Great captures! Nice and sharp- looks nice! :)

[TARPONTIM]

Wow spectacular. Well done.

[NukeGM]

Both are excellent!

[lcpete]

Hi stunning shots of my favourite subject perfectly sharp nice light and blurred background
I am also "collecting" shots of dragonflys just got 4 species so far way to go yet :D
Pete

[ghocking]

Great Shots

[jerrythesnake]

Hi nice shots, what is the 185 macro ?

[BAW118]

I don't know why I said I had a 185 Macro - Actually meant the EF 180L Macro.