On The Trail Again...

While walking along a trail at midday, there was a shadow on the ground of a fluttering dragonfly and, looking up, I saw a large dark-coloured dragonfly buzzing around a metre above me and quite a few more dragonflies of other species flying around even higher up. 

It is definitely an indicator of a hot day when dragonflies are flying around up high in the sky! 

I stood there and waited but this dragonfly would not stop to perch.  However, luck was on my side.  Another dragonfly did decide to take a break from its flight and it perched on a twig about 3 metres above the ground.  This is the best shot I could get!

 

This is the Hydrobasileus croceus of the family Libellulidae and as you can see, it can be easily recognised by the brown markings on its hindwings.  Its hindwing length is 43mm and with such broad hindwings, this dragonfly sails rather conspicuously and seldom perch.  From time to time, it will rest its wings and glide rather than just buzz around.  No wonder it is so tireless!

This photo was taken on a forest trail that is next to a clear flowing stream.  According to the Pocket Guide, this species can be found in lowland lakes, swamp forest margins, larger, well vegetated ponds and drains in open country.  I wonder where else in Langkawi will I find this species? 

And what about all those other species flying around up there?

Anyway, talking about trails, the beauty of a nice nature trail has recently been destroyed for the sake of convenience and development.  Two pipes have been installed alongside the stepped trail going up the mountain.

 

One pipe is painted a garish blue for what is presumably housing for electric cables and who knows what the other is for?  But it is certainly not a pretty sight.  Couldn't the relevant authorities have done it differently?  What a bummer for nature in Langkawi.  Nature do seem to take a back seat when it comes to development and making improvements for more monetary gains.

 

 

When will these people wake up and realise their priorities are so skewed?  It saddens me that they are blinded, their sight is obscured and the beauty of nature can be destroyed overnight without a thought.

Picture the above scenes in your mind's eye without the pipes.  That was how it used to be.  I can only be thankful they did not cut down any more trees.