Southern Hawker

As I have already said this year has been very poor for Dragonflies ,I have spent a lot of time visiting and re-visiting sites that should be good for the larger Dragonflies , Emperors in previous years have been located at most ponds of reasonable size but this year the numbers are very much reduced ,this is just my personal observations . The Hawkers can be found anywhere so I always keep my eyes open  when in any sheltered sunny area,  I came across this Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea in just such a situation it crossed my path but low down  hawked back and forth along a conifer hedge then settled  as the sun went behind a cloud (yes there was some sunshine involved )  so several shots later the sun returned  took a few more before it was off patrolling again .

 I don't know if this is a camouflage technique resting on this vegetation , but I have to concentrate on it's position as it lands or it's lost.

 I like Southern Hawkers they can be very inquisitive at times allowing good views and will settle at some stage.

 I just turned this shot to show the facial expression and features of very large compound eyes ,the antenna and the mandabiles forming the chin also the looks like a smile facial expression .

Close up of the upper and just behind the lower appendages used to clasp the female