Tersa Sphinx (Xylophanes tersa) - 8/7/15 - Whitfield County

Mating Walkingsticks

This was a nice surprise in our yard, today. This is a pair of mating walkingsticks (Anisomorpha).

I've always been fascinated with this family of insects, as they are very unique in shape. The females are much larger that the males as can be seen in the photo below. This appears to be one of the "two-lined" species that can be found in north Georgia, and no doubt much of the southeast United States. Judging by the markings of the female, it appears that this is the Northern Two-lined Walkingstick(Anisomorpha ferrugenea). 

Carter's Lake Christmas Bird Count Summary - January 2, 2015

The eighth annual Carter's Lake Christmas Bird Count was conducted on Friday, January   

2nd, 2015.  This year was a wet one! Our efforts were greatly impacted by the amount of 

precipitation that fell on count-day. As a result, there were many below average totals this 

year, as well as a few low counts established. Still, the overall numbers reported are

impressive for such dismal surveying weather. This is a direct result of dedicated observers.

The counters did an excellent job covering their section routes. There was a total of ninety-

two species recorded on count-day.  

Count-day teams were as follows:

Team 1 - Carter's Lake Section - Bill Lotz, Teresa Francis, Sandy Pangle, Jess Searcy 

Team 2 - Pine Chapel Section - Dan Vickers, Pierre Howard

Team 3 - Coosawattee WMA Section- Allan Muise, Charlie Muise, Tracey Muise

Team 4 - Fite Bend Section - Rebecca Byrd, Jason Baumgardner, Angie Jenkins, Mark

McShane, Max Medley, Nick Sackas

Team 5 - Salacoa Section - Ann Stewart, Stephen Stewart, Richard White

Team 6 - Dews Pond Section - Chris Lambrecht, Bob Babcock

Team 7 - Ranger Section - Jim Greenway, Dawn Greenway

Team 8 - Fox Bridge Marsh Section - Joshua Spence, Derrick Ingle, Duncan Beard

Team 9 - New Echota Section - Johnnie Greene, Jo Ann King, Larry Stephens 

Team 10 -  Nicklesville Section -  Joel McNeal, Nikki Belmonte

Team 11 - Early Owling Effort(12:45-6:00 am) - Joshua Spence

species accounts:

CANADA GOOSE numbers were below average with 296 reported.*

WOOD DUCKS were observed in high numbers this year, but were scarce throughout most of the circle. 103 in all. Team 8 observed the majority of these at wetlands within the Conasauga River floodplains. *

GADWALL, one of our annual ducks on the count, were observed in below average numbers.  A total of 47 individuals were reported this year. *

Two AMERICAN WIGEONS were observed by Team 8. This is the fourth time that this species has been observed on the count.

The 56 MALLARDS were below average.*

Team 2 found the only NORTHERN SHOVELERS for the day. Three in all.

Team 8 observed three BLUE-WINGED TEAL, which established a new high count for this duck.

The RING-NECKED DUCK numbers were terribly low, only 7 observed this year.*

HOODED MERGANSERS were few and far between. Only three were reported by Team 6! This is the lowest showing for this species since the count's beginning.*

The 13 WILD TURKEY counted this year is below average for that species. Team 8.*

Team 9 observed nine NORTHERN BOBWHITE in the Coosawattee WMA. This is only the third time that this species has been observed on the count.

Team 1 observed a RED-THROATED LOON at the Carter's reregulation pool. This is the first time that this species has been observed on the count and one of only a handful of records from northwest GA!  

PIED-BILLED GREBES were found in below average numbers, at 5 individuals. Team 1 reported all of these.*

Team 1 also observed the only HORNED GREBE for the count at Carter's Lake.

GREAT BLUE HERONS were observed in good numbers this year, though the total of 23 is slightly below average for this circle. *

The 31 BLACK VULTURES established a new low count for this species. Team 2 observed the majority of these.*

TURKEY VULTURES were found in decent numbers this go-around, 223 in all.  A roost of at least 111 of these was observed by Team 5.*

Only four NORTHERN HARRIERS this year, all of which were observed at the Fite Bend fields. Team 4.*

Team 6 observed the only SHARP-SHINNED HAWK for the day.

Two COOPER'S HAWKS were reported this year. This tied the low count for this bird.*

This is the first year that RED-SHOULDERED HAWK(28)* outnumbered RED-TAILED HAWK(22).* This established a low count for the latter.

Team 8 heard a single VIRGINIA RAIL at the usual site, the Fox Bridge marsh.

SANDHILL CRANES were MIA, this year's four was quite a surprise. This does indeed establish a new low-count for this species.*

This circle typically produces some high numbers for KILLDEER, so this year's low count of 62 was unexpected! *

A combined count of 14 AMERICAN WOODCOCKS were reported from five sections. This is slightly above average.*

The 105 ROCK PIGEONS were below average numbers for this count. Most were observed at the Fite Bend silos by team 4.*

Only a single EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE was observed, and this by Team 10. This is a below-average count for this species. 

After a few years of below average numbers for MOURNING DOVES, they showed up in record number this time! 358 is a great showing for the circle's only native dove. *

Two BARN OWLs, one heard and one seen by Team 11. This tied our high count for the circle.

EASTERN SCREECH OWLS were found in high numbers. Ten in all. *

Two GREAT HORNED OWLS were reported this year. Team 1 & Team 11.

Five BARRED OWLS were observed this year. 

A low count for BELTED KINGFISHERS. Only six in all. *

A total of 18 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were reported from five teams. This is above average. Team 2 reported the majority of these. *

This year's count of 69 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS was extremely low.* 

An average count of 27 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were reported this year.*

33 DOWNY WOODPECKERS were observed this year, and this did indeed establish a new low count for this common bird.*

Six HAIRY WOODPECKERS were counted.*

NORTHERN FLICKERS were just slightly above average with 65 being reported.* 

PILEATED WOODPECKERS came in at 12, which is low. *

Team 2 had the pleasure of observing a PEREGRINE FALCON take a Brown-headed Cowbird from a flock! This is the first time that this species has been reported on this count.

This year's 15 AMERICAN KESTRELS  established the circle's low-count! *

EASTERN PHOEBES were observed in below average numbers this year, 37 in all.*

One LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was observed in the circle, and as usual it was observed by Team 2 at the Pine Chapel pastures. *

This year's reported number of 248 BLUE JAYS, was slightly above the average. *

AMERICAN CROWS were reported in low numbers. Only 414 tallied this time. *

Both CAROLINA CHICKADEE(127)* and TUFTED TITMICE(98)* were both reported in  below average numbers.*

Team 7 found our only RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH of the day.

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH(13) and the BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH(40) numbers established new low counts.*

Four BROWN CREEPERS were recorded this year. *

Our regular wintering wrens were about average with this year's numbers. HOUSE WREN(5), WINTER WREN(12)* and CAROLINA WREN(162)*

Kinglet numbers were basically the same as most everything else.....below average. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET(77) & RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS(85).*

This count has produced high numbers of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS in the past, but this species was grossly misrepresented this time around. 114 in all. This does establish a low count for this beautiful bird.*

29 HERMIT THRUSHES were reported this year.*

AMERICAN ROBINS were in good numbers throughout most of the circle. 1130 were reported.*

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS(101) were found in just slightly below average numbers.*

28 BROWN THRASHERS were reported.*

3,524 EUROPEAN STARLINGS were reported.*

Team 4 observed the majority of the day's AMERICAN PIPITS at the Fite Bend fields. The count's total of 36 is below the count's average. *

CEDAR WAXWINGS came in with a total of 943 which is above average.*

Only two PALM WARBLERS were reported. *

The 18 PINE WARBLERS reported is slightly below average.*

The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER total this year was below average, 50 in all.*

Eleven species of Emberizidae were observed on the count. 

EASTERN TOWHEES were reported in good numbers, 158 in all. Well above average.*

The 310 CHIPPING SPARROWS is a decent showing, though still below average. 

FIELD SPARROWS were found in lower numbers this year, 138 in all. *

Only five VESPER SPARROWS were tallied for the count. This is the fifth year in a row that this species has failed to reach double-digits. Team 4 and Team 6 shared these.*

The SAVANNAH SPARROW number was barely above average, coming in at 185 individuals. *

A total of 61 FOX SPARROWS were found on this year's count! This totally shattered the former high count of 36 that was established during the first year. Almost all of these were observed in the Coosawattee WMA by Team 3. *

SONG SPARROW(336) & SWAMP SPARROW(116) were slightly below average this year. *

WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS(481) were in good supply this time, but not enough to beat the circle's high of 508.*  

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS came in at 60 this year, which is the second highest tally for this species. Team 4 observed most of these. *

DARK-EYED JUNCO numbers were above average at 135. The majority being observed by Team 1.

A total of 364 NORTHERN CARDINALS were counted this year.*

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, only 728. Below average.*

EASTERN MEADOWLARK(107) numbers were below average.*

COMMON GRACKLES were also below average (928). *

BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS can often be absent on this count. This year's 444 easily established a new high for the circle. Most of these were found by Team 4. 

An average number of 21 HOUSE FINCHES were reported.*

PINE SISKIN established a new high count for the circle with 82. This is no surprise considering that it is an irruption year for this northern finch.

AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES were in slightly higher numbers with 197 being reported in all. * 

49 HOUSE SPARROWS were counted, which consequently established a new high count.*

There was a good effort to supplement our results by scouting and follow-up teams this

year. In fact, twelve species were reported during count-week. Count-week is defined as 

three days prior and three days after the actual count day. During these six days, 

species that were not observed on count day can be reported to the NAS as present 

within the circle. Species reported:

Snow Goose

American Black Duck

Redhead

Lesser Scaup

Bufflehead

Common Loon

American Coot

Wilson's Snipe

Bonaparte's Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Fish Crow

Horned Lark

The Carter's Lake CBC is located in the ridge & valley province of northwest GA. The fifteen mile diameter circle covers portions of southern Murray County and northeastern Gordon County.

The Christmas Bird Count is a winter bird survey that stands as the longest running wildlife census. It is conducted by volunteers. The National Audubon Society has promoted the census for decades. The society and others use the data to determine the health of wild bird populations.


For more information:

http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count

Carter's Lake Christmas Bird Count Summary - December 21, 2013

The seventh annual Carter's Lake Christmas Bird Count was conducted on December 21, 

2013.  This is what I'd like to refer to as a "count of firsts", since there were several 

first-time weather and effort-related elements that contributed to this year's count.

* This was the warmest count since its beginning. The recorded low was 55° and the high was 68°

* We received our first ever count-day precipitation this year. Fortunately, not so much 

that it hurt our survey efforts.

* There were 36 participants, which bested our previous record by one.

* Not only did we establish a new record for party hours, but we broke into triple digits.......

barely. 101.5 hours in all.

* More miles were driven and hiked this year, 510 in all.

The counters did an excellent job covering their section routes. There was a total of 

ninety-nine species recorded on count-day.  

There was great effort to supplement our results by scouting and follow-up teams this

year. In fact, eleven species were reported during count-week. Count-week is defined as 

three days prior and three days after the actual count day. During these six days, 

species that were not observed on count day can be reported to the NAS as present 

within the circle. Species reported:

Ross's Goose 

American Black Duck

Redhead

Canvasback

Common Goldeneye

Ruddy Duck

Common Loon

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Bonaparte's Gull

Fish Crow

Brewer's Blackbird

Two of the above species were actually nemesis birds for the circle. Canvasback and

Ruddy Duck had not been observed for the count before this year. The Ross's Goose is a 

review species in the state and required a decision by the GA Records Committee. The

report was submitted and the details were deemed sufficient for inclusion in the historical database. 

Count-day teams were as follows:

Team 1 - Carter's Lake Section - Theresa Hartz, Bob Henderson, Bill Lotz, Patty McLean, 

               Pat Markey(am hours), Max Medley(am hours)

Team 2 - Pine Chapel Section - Jeff Sewell, Dan Vickers

Team 3 - Coosawattee WMA Section- Allan Muise, Charlie Muise, Tracey Muise

Team 4 - Fite Bend Section - Ken Blankenship, Rebecca Byrd, JoAnn King, Kathy Schock

Team 5 - Salacoa Section - Ann Stewart, Stephen Stewart, Richard White

Team 6 - Dews Pond Section - Bob Babcock, Chris Lambrecht

Team 7 - Ranger Section - Renee' Carleton, Joel McNeal

Team 8 - Fox Bridge Marsh Section - Mark Goins, Ruth Marley, Joshua Spence

Team 9 - New Echota Section - Beth Ash, Gary Cottrell, Terri Davis, Johnnie Greene, 

Team 10 -  Duncan Beard, Richard Maddox, Ben Woodward, Bob Woodward

Team 11 - Conniston Section - Pat Markey, Max Medley

Team 12 - Stationary Watch(Reservoir/Fite Bend) - Mark McShane

Team 13 - Early Owling Effort(12:00-2:00 am) - Joshua Spence, Seth Spence, Theresa 

                   Spence

species accounts:

CANADA GOOSE numbers were about average with 341 reported.*

WOOD DUCKS were observed in good numbers this year, but were scarce throughout most of the circle, 87 in all. Team 10 observed the majority of these at a wetland at dawn. This does constitute a new high-count for the circle. *

GADWALL, one of our annual ducks on the count, easily set a new high with a total of 201 individuals. This more than doubled our former high number of 86! *

Four AMERICAN WIGEONS were observed by Team 1. This is the third time that this species has been observed on the count.

132 MALLARDS set a new high count for this species.*

NORTHERN SHOVELERS were slightly below average at 6 individuals reported. This is exactly how many we had last year. Team 2 & Team 8 shared these.

Team 1 observed one NORTHERN PINTAIL. This is the third time that this species has shown up on count day.

Team 10 observed at least 30 GREEN-WINGED TEAL at a wetland. This established a new high-count for this species.

The RING-NECKED DUCK numbers were well below average, only 13 observed this year.*

HOODED MERGANSERS were few and far between. Only eight were reported! This is the lowest showing for this species since the count's beginning.*

The 40 WILD TURKEY counted this year was above average for that species. *

PIED-BILLED GREBES were found in above average numbers, at 17 individuals. Team 1 reported 10 of these.*

This is the second year in a row that only a single DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was found on count-day, and once again it was observed by Team 5 at the DeFoor Walters Lake(Salacoa Park). *

GREAT BLUE HERONS were observed in good numbers this year. The total of 32 is only two less than the circle's high count that was set last year. *

Though the 82 BLACK VULTURES is below average for this circle, it is still a strong representation of this species for this region. *

TURKEY VULTURES were found in high numbers this go-around, 315 in all!  This barely beats the former record by fifteen birds. A roost of at least 175 of these was observed by Team 3.*

This was a great year for NORTHERN HARRIERS. Twelve were counted(high count), five of which were observed at the Fite Bend fields. Team 4.*

Eight COOPER'S HAWKS were reported this year.*

Three BALD EAGLES were observed at Carter's Lake, which ties our high-count.

Buteo numbers were above average again this year. RED-SHOULDERED HAWK(31)* & RED-TAILED HAWK(42).* Though it does not count as an individual species, it is noteworthy that Team 12 observed a juvenile Krider's Hawk at Fite Bend. This is a western subspecies of the Red-tailed, which is a rare visitor to GA.

Team 8 found two VIRGINIA RAILS and three SORAS at the Fox Bridge marsh. 

Two AMERICAN COOTS were observed this year. This common species does not have a strong wintering presence in this circle. In fact, it isn't even annual on the count! Team 2 & Team 8.

In contrast to last year's good numbers of SANDHILL CRANES, this year's 15 was quite a surprise. This does indeed establish a new low-count for this species.*

Again, KILLDEER were observed in good numbers. 508 individuals were reported. Team 3 counted 314 of these.*

Team 4 found two LEAST SANDPIPERS at Fite Bend. This is the fourth time this species has been reported on the count.

Five WILSON'S SNIPE were counted this year, all reported by Team 4.*

A combined count of 29 AMERICAN WOODCOCKS were reported from five sections. This sets a new record high. Team 3 reported sixteen of these near the Coosawattee WMA at dawn.*

One RING-BILLED GULL was observed by Team 1, establishing a new low count for our only annual gull.*

The 215 ROCK PIGEONS were above average numbers for this count. Most were observed at the Carter's reregulation dam and the Fite Bend silos.*

The 4 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES observed by Team 4 was a below-average count for this species. 

This is the third year that MOURNING DOVES have been reported in lower numbers than expected. Still, 239 is a decent count for the circle's only native dove. *

EASTERN SCREECH OWLS were found in average numbers. Five in all. *

Two GREAT HORNED OWLS were reported this year. Team 3 & Team 9. 

Three BARRED OWLS were heard just after midnight at the Polecat Creek swamp. These were the only ones reported this year. Team 13

An average number of 13 BELTED KINGFISHERS were observed. *

The total of 19 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were reported from six teams. This is above average for this circle. *

This year's count of 133 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS is the second highest since the count's inception.* 

39 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS established a new high for the count, beating last year's total by only one individual!*

51 DOWNY WOODPECKERS were observed this year.*

Eleven HAIRY WOODPECKERS were counted. This is the fourth time that this species has reached double-digits.*

NORTHERN FLICKERS beat last year's high of 95 with this year's 99.* 

PILEATED WOODPECKERS came in at 29 individuals.*

This year's 17 AMERICAN KESTRELS  tied the circle's low-count! *

Team 3 observed one MERLIN.  This is the third record for the count.

EASTERN PHOEBES were observed in above average numbers this year, 55 in all.*

One LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was observed in the circle this year, and as usual it was observed by Team 2 near Moss Rd. *

Team 7 observed a WHITE-EYED VIREO, possibly the first winter record for GA's Ridge & Valley! 

Team 5 found a BLUE-HEADED VIREO. This is the count's third record.

This year's high number of 454 BLUE JAYS beat last year's record by nine individuals. *

AMERICAN CROWS were reported in good numbers, but the 663 birds counted is actually below average for this count. *

Team 4 counted 15 HORNED LARKS at the Fite Bend fields. Surprisingly, this is only the third record for the circle.

CAROLINA CHICKADEES were observed in good numbers, 229 in all. This is only eleven less than the official high count.*

TUFTED TITMICE(135) were reported in slightly above average numbers this year.*

Team 5 found our only RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH of the day at the Salacoa Creek Park.  

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES(32) were found in average numbers. *

The BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES(55) were observed in below average numbers.*

Five BROWN CREEPERS were recorded this year. *

We established high-counts for our three most common wintering wrens: HOUSE WREN(16) beat the old record by four, WINTER WREN(28)* doubled the previous record and CAROLINA WREN(282)* had an increase of 90 individuals!

Team 11 found a single SEDGE WREN. This is the third time that this species has made an appearance on count-day.

It seemed like GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were more numerous than usual, and the final total proved this assumption. This year's 255 totally crushed the former high count of 112!!!*

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS were reported in above average numbers, 118 in all.*

This count has produced high numbers of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and this year's total of 246 is nothing to be ashamed of.  Still, this number is below average and approximately 20% less than what we usually observe. Considering the typical habitat of this species, it is possible that this is one that the rain had a negative impact on.*

HERMIT THRUSHES were found in good numbers. The 45 reported is well above average.*

After last year's high count of 1723 AMERICAN ROBINS, this year had a considerable drop to 564.*

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS(121) were found in above average numbers this go-around.*

37 BROWN THRASHERS were reported, which tied last year's high count!*

1,609 EUROPEAN STARLINGS were reported.*

Team 4 and Team 5 observed the majority of the day's AMERICAN PIPITS. The count's total of 195 destroyed last year's high count of 80.*

CEDAR WAXWINGS came in with a total of 630, which is above average.*

Team 4 observed six LAPLAND LONGSPURS at the Fite Bend fields. This is the third time that this species has made an appearance on count-day, and also establishes a high-count for the circle.  

Team 4 observed four COMMON YELLOWTHROATS this year. This is the count's third record and high-count. 

A decent count of 14 PALM WARBLERS were reported from four sections.

The 27 PINE WARBLERS reported was slightly above average.*

The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER total this year was slightly below average, 120 in all.*

Eleven species of Emberizidae were observed on the count. 2,757 individuals were counted, the highest thus far for the Carter's Lake CBC. 

EASTERN TOWHEES were reported in good numbers, 161 in all. Well above average.*

The 858 CHIPPING SPARROWS counted, more than doubles our former record of 413! This species was reported from every section, with several triple digit entries.*

FIELD SPARROWS were found in high numbers this year, 204 in all, giving this species a new high-count.*

Only three VESPER SPARROWS were tallied for the count. This is the fourth year in a row that this species has failed to reach double-digits.*

The SAVANNAH SPARROW number was well below average, coming in at 142 individuals. This is approximately 21% less than what is usually expected.*

A total of 20 FOX SPARROWS were found on this year's count. This is the fourth highest number we've recorded in the circle, the highest being 36 during the initial count. This species was reported from eight sections.*

SONG SPARROW(458) numbers were well above average, second to last year's 524.*

SWAMP SPARROW (259) did well, beating last year's record by eighteen individual birds to establish a new high count for the circle!*

This year's 464 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS is above average, second to last year's 508.*  

After last year's triple digit total of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, I was curious to see if a new trend was to be established. Not so. Still, this year's total of 53 was slightly above average, and continues to identify the circle as a stronghold for this winter visitor in Georgia's Ridge and Valley. *

DARK-EYED JUNCO numbers were above average at 135.*

A total of 386 NORTHERN CARDINALS were counted this year, second to last year's 433.*

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were observed in the highest numbers since the count's inception. 10,551 individuals in all, most being observed at the Fite Bend fields by Team 4.*

EASTERN MEADOWLARK(173) numbers were below average.*

Team 4 observed an adult male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD that was mixed in with a large blackbird flock at the Fite Bend fields. This is one of the few records for this species in north GA!

After last year's total of 182 individuals, it was nice to have at least one semi-large flock of COMMON GRACKLES within the circle. As expected this flock made its appearance at the Fite Bend fields. Even though 4,748 is a fair showing, our average for this circle is 27,379!*

BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS can often be absent on this count. This year's 127 easily established a new high for the circle, beating the previous record of 35. Most of these were found by Team 4. 

The ten HOUSE FINCHES that were reported were below average.*

Team 1 found the day's only PINE SISKIN.

AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, ironically tied with their 2010 low count of 108!* 

29 HOUSE SPARROWS were counted.*




The Carter's Lake CBC is located in the ridge & valley province of north GA. The fifteen mile diameter circle covers portions of southern Murray County and northeastern Gordon County.

The Christmas Bird Count is a winter bird survey that stands as the longest running wildlife census. It is conducted by volunteers. The National Audubon Society has promoted the census for decades. The society and others use the data to determine the health of wild bird populations.


For more information:

http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count

Banner Clubtail (Gomphus apomyius) ~ Murray County

While tromping through some Murray County wetlands last June, I came upon a dragonfly that perched just long enough for me to snap a couple of photographs. It was a female clubtail, but I didn't have a clue which one until I returned home and began studying it. After several looks at the field guides, I felt like I had photographed an adult Banner Clubtail(Gomphus apomyius). Consultation with odonatologists, Giff Beaton and Marion Dobbs confirmed my identification. Apparently, there are very few records of this species for north Georgia.

The Banner Clubtail's GA Distribution Map illustrates a cluster of Piedmont counties with records near the Fall Line with only a few county records in other physiographic regions in the state. Floyd and Rabun are the only other north GA counties that boast records of this species for the northern regions. Interestingly, these records are based on collected nymphs from tributaries. This photographed specimen is one of the few known adults to have been recently observed here. Another important aspect concerning this observation is the date. The day in which I photographed this dragonfly, June 17, is about an entire month later than the known flight period for this species. This insect was found only one hundred feet from the Conasauga River. It was in a field in the floodplain.

Thanks to Marion Dobbs for all the wonderful information about this rare insect. Check out her excellent website Dragonflies and Damselflies of Georgia .

Also, Giff Beaton's masterful field guide Dragonflies and Damselflies of Georgia and the Southeast is a must for the odonate enthusiast. This would make an excellent gift for any naturalist! Follow this link to purchase: The University of Georgia Press