Flight.....

A windy day brought gusts of turbulent air through the garden and with it, all flying insects. Monarch's gracefully fluttered with the occasional 'head over heels' acrobats before regaining control. Cabbage white's continued with their quick flutters while honey bees and bumble bees kept to the lower flight paths and hoverflies did what they do best - hover.

Exciting to see the very quick flutter of three yellow admirals, sadly they didn't settle but great to know they like to pass through the garden, perhaps one day one will settle. 

But today I witnessed something I've never seen before - yus, a dragonfly in my garden! I dashed for the camera while it zoomed around on the airflow, it was magnificent! Four wings gracefully gliding, a big body dazzling in the sunlight, sometimes low and nicely camouflaged against the trees and other times high up against the blue sky - Wow! Lasting for a whole 30 minutes I was dying for him to settle but no not today, however just a few lucky, well very lucky shots were managed as he was so fast. They're a bit fuzzy with movement, like the wee helicopter one in extras :) It's the one with just blue sky in the thumbnail :( BUT he is there, sorry you'll have to open it to see.

The other extra shows a little more detail of the wings and body, nearly made this one my main one but like the composition of the one above - hard decision.....

Also I've added it to tiny Tuesday, being a flying insect high up in the sky and just so nice to witness.

Tuesday - two fires continue to roar on the Port Hills of Christchurch and sadly a life taken after a helicopter fighting the fires crashed, devastating and so sad.