Here be dragons!

Our pond used to be teeming with a huge variety of different dragonflies and damselflies all summer but I've hardly seen any this year.

I did see what I think was a male, blue Emperor dragonfly when I was in the pond clearing the reeds the other day, though. It was massive and kept dive-bombing my head. I've since found out that they will defend their territory if they feel threatened - even attacking humans. Anyway, I took the hint and have left its home alone! 

Since then, I've been trying to get a picture of it but had no luck. I did see this Common Darter so I guess there are still some around, but definitely nowhere near as many as usual. I've put a slightly grumpier-looking picture of this one in the 'extras'! Maybe it's lonely - or not impressed with the big blue buzzing bully!