Winter odes in Jalisco

Nannothemis and I participated in a Conservation Birding Trip sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. The trip included one week in Jalisco, Mexico in late February-2010 and involved flying in/out of Guadalajara, spending a few days at high elevation in the Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere Reserve, and a few days at low elevation in/around the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve.

It was cold at elevation. Thus, we didn't find any dragonflies on the first portion of the trip, but I would recommend you visit Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere Reserve if the occasion arises. Apparently, there area helicopter damselflies (but likely when the temperatures are above freezing).

On our first evening (February 24th) at lower elevation we did a mangrove tour at La Manzanilla. Just before dusk we saw several darners which may have been Twilight Darners (Gynacantha nervosa).

Our first full day (February 25th) at lower elevation in the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve brought the first cooperative odes of the trip....
an immature male Black-winged Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax funerea):


and a Great Pondhawk (Erythemis vesiculosa):


Later that day, we visited Playa Los Negritos and found several individuals of Striped Firetail (Telebasis filiola):


On our final day in the coastal area, we visited El Tamarindo Resort. Amazingly, the tourist resort has preserved a large patch of habitat (~1000 hectacres). During our drive to the birding locations, we did see some dragonflies near the golf course ponds, but we didn't have time to investigate.
The only ode giving a photo opp was this female Black-winged Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax funerea):


Obviously, February is not the month to find the greatest diversity of dragonflies. However, this state of Mexico is a great place to visit. We found the people, food, animals, and habitats to be great.

Pacific Forktail (Ischnura cervula) in San Diego

It's winter and it's tough to find dragonflies in Michigan. While at a conference in San Diego this week, we found a bit of time to look for odes along the San Diego River.

We managed to find several individuals of one species, Pacific Forktail (Ischnura cervula), which may be good considering temps in the 50s (F).

Nannothemis captured this male having lunch:


I was able to capture a couple males by hand for these shots:



...and the habitat along the San Diego River:


The next day Nannothemis captured this image of me on the hunt for a female:


Here's a female Pacific Forktail (Ischnura cervula) in the hand:



Hopefully our next destination turns up more species, but we suspect that may be a tall order. Check back in a couple of weeks to see if we have any success.

Limited Ode-ing in Yuma County, AZ

I spent a few days in and around Yuma, Arizona this week and only found two species of dragonflies. Of course, the primary purpose was visiting family, but I kept an eye out for insects.

#1 = Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum)
This species was observed a few times at various locations near canals. This cooperative female was found in some saltbrush flats east of Tacna on November 23rd:


#2 = Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens)
Two individuals were found at the Yuma West Wetlands Park on November 24th.

Later dates for Autumn Meadowhawks

Nannothemis and I searched UM-Dearborn in Wayne County for a variety of insects and birds on November 14, 2009. We had hoped to find Autumn Meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum), and we did find them!


Over a couple hours of walking the trails, we counted 73 individuals (primarily males, but there were several females). This temporarily represented a new late date for Michigan.

On following days, I had expected to find more individuals due to the warm November weather we were experiencing.

I revisited UM-Dearborn again on November 15 and only spent time to find 2 males.

During the following work week, I visited Robert H. Long Park of Commerce Township in Oakland County and found individuals on two dates.

Two males were found on November 17 and five males were found on November 18.

Thus, November 18th was the lastest date for Autumn Meadowhawks (S. vicinum) in Michigan. That is, unless we hear of someone else with new sightings.

That puts an end to the dragonfly flight season for the Urban Dragon Hunters in Michigan this year. The nets are put away until next spring or we take a trip to the south this winter.

Late White-faced Meadowhawk

While doing a survey at UM-Dearborn on October 11, 2009, I was fortunate to find a male White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum). This represents a new late date for Michigan.