This afternoon with the temperature in the 70s F, sunny skies and no wind (i.e. ideal odeing weather) I spent an hour and a half (5:00 to 6:30 PM) photographing odes at the Harris Center’s Chenoa property. I photographed ten different species in this interval.
My first stop was at the downstream side of the culvert draining the beaver pond. I was expecting to find ebony jewelwings there but was disappointed that there were none present. There were only small patches of sunlight on the banks of the stream so maybe it was just too late in the day. This, however, was the only disappointment of the outing.
Moving to the upstream side of the culvert (just downstream from the beaver dam) I observed a number of speadwings, including an ovipositing pair.
Continuing upstream to the beaver pond proper, the first ode I saw was a single speadwing that quickly disappeared into the emergent vegetation. However, both slatey skimmers and chalk-fronted corporals (mostly males, for both species) were abundant here.
Heading back up the road towards the gate, I stopped at the old log landing (which is quickly becoming overgrown) the numbers of individuals were small here, but the diversity of species was remarkable. I observed two or three male common pondhawks and a lone female. There were also similar numbers of eastern forktails present. Again mostly males but I did see one female. Single individuals of the following species were also seen here: frosted whiteface, dot-tailed whiteface, blue dasher and calico pennant.
Another in a great series of “Gorga’s Odes!” As always, the detail s spot-on and the colors are vibrant. I am still impressed with your ability to identify the species!