\n Autumn is here, but while many insects are becoming less visible, one impressive aerial hunter is still patrolling the skies.\n<\/p>\n
\n On a warm September afternoon, look out for the migrant hawker dragonfly. (Image: Richard Burkmar)\n<\/p>\n
\n On a warm September afternoon, look out for the migrant hawker dragonfly as it darts around ponds, gardens and hedgerows, bringing flashes of blue and yellow to the changing season.\n<\/p>\n
\n The migrant hawker is a later-flying dragonfly, usually on the wing from the end of July through to October, and sometimes into November during warm years.\n<\/p>\n
\n Early autumn is a particularly good time to look for them.\n<\/p>\n
\n The name “migrant” is well earned, as before the 1940s, the species was only a migrant visitor to the UK.\n<\/p>\n
\n However, it is now an established breeding species.\n<\/p>\n
\n The UK has resident breeding populations, but numbers are greatly boosted in late summer by arrivals from continental Europe.\n<\/p>\n
\n The migrant hawker is often found around ponds, lakes and wetlands, but do not be surprised to see one well away from water.\n<\/p>\n
\n It is a strong flyer and can turn up along hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens and sheltered rides, hunting smaller insects on the wing.\n<\/p>\n
\n Unlike some dragonflies, the migrant hawker is not particularly aggressive towards each other and can sometimes gather in large feeding groups.\n<\/p>\n
\n At around 6cm long, it is smaller than some other hawker dragonflies but is still an impressive sight.\n<\/p>\n
\n Males have a dark brown and black body patterned with pairs of pale blue spots and yellow flecks, along with striking blue eyes.\n<\/p>\n
\n Females are generally browner, with yellowish spots and brown eyes.\n<\/p>\n
\n One distinctive feature is a small yellow marking near the top of the abdomen, often described as being shaped like a golf tee.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dragonflies are grouped into three families; hawker, darter and skimmer.\n<\/p>\n
\n The hawker is the largest and fastest-flying dragonfly.\n<\/p>\n
\n It is an agile hunter, as it can hover, dart, turn sharply and even fly backwards.\n<\/p>\n
\n This agility allows it to catch midges and other small insects with remarkable precision.\n<\/p>\n
\n Like all dragonflies, the migrant hawker begins life underwater.\n<\/p>\n
\n The larvae are veracious aquatic predators, feeding among submerged plants for several years as nymphs before eventually climbing from the water and emerging as the winged adult.\n<\/p>\n
\n The presence of adult dragonflies and their larvae is a good indicator of healthy ponds, ditches and wetlands with clean water and good vegetation.\n<\/p>\n
\n Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust manages many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife.\n<\/p>\n
\n Help support the trust by becoming a member today. Find out more: hiwwt.org.uk\/join-today.\n<\/p>\n
\n Diary Dates – Wildlife Tots at Blashford Lakes\n<\/p>\n
\n Step into autumn at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust\u2019s Wildlife Tots. (Image: Fergus Gil)\n<\/p>\n
\n Step into autumn at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Tots.\n<\/p>\n
\n Little explorers aged two to five can discover the sights, sounds and colours of the season while heading out across this wildlife-rich reserve.\n<\/p>\n
\n With lakes, woodland, reedbeds and grassland to explore, there’s plenty to discover.\n<\/p>\n
\n The reserve is used by a wide variety of birds throughout the year.\n<\/p>\n
\n In winter, up to 5,000 wildfowl, including gadwall, goldeneye and goosander flock to the lakes from Scandinavia.\n<\/p>\n
\n The session will combine outdoor exploration with learning about the wildlife and incredible diversity of bird life, a story and creating something from natural materials.\n<\/p>\n