Another dragonfly is handed over - Graeme Guy's Nature Photography

A photographic essay of a colony of Chestnut-headed bee-eaters.

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In early to mid-February after 5-6 weeks of hunting and digging couples were seen mating. Multiple matings occurred during the course of a morning. Here the male on the right has sidled up to the female with the intention of mating. The size difference is obvious with this pair....as well as being longer in the body the males have larger head although when aroused they raise their head feathers making them look bigger.

A few weeks after mating the females stationed themselves on respective perches and the male brings them insects. Here the male on the right tosses a beetle before offering it to his partner. Seemingly enjoying the attention the females would embark on the odd hunting sortie themselves. Mating did not accompany the gift-giving and it was assumed this concentrated feeding was to nutritionally assist the female in egg-laying.

The subdued beetle is offered.

A dragonfly is offered by the male. The size different is also discernible with this pair.

....the handover occurs

Another dragonfly is handed over

During the incubation period, that lasts from 24-30 days the activity around the nest-holes is relatively quiet. One of the adults sits on the eggs but not continuously. The partner will often take insects to feed the mate. Because of this type of feeding it is not possible to see when the feeding is switched to the chicks.

One of the pair flies towards the nest-hole. Careful inspection of the end of the bill demonstrates one hazard of digging in abrasive soil.....wearing out the equipment.

Here one of the pair emerges from the nest

Another dragonfly is handed over

Another dragonfly is handed over

Another dragonfly is handed over

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