Hi everyone,
I went down to the Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Evans, GA yesterday morning for some shots. After we were just about done for the day, we walked around from the main area down a little path to the waters edge. When we got there, we observed 2 dragonflies in what appeared to be playing. Then all of a sudden, one of the dragonflies came right up to me for a split second at face level, and then he would scurry off to a grassy area in the water. Few seconds later, he was back, doing the same thing to me. While I thought for a minute that I might have invaded his little retreat, it struck me that he actually appeared to be playing with me. Almost like dogs, where they run up to you, then away from you in hopes that you will run after them. So, I kept doing what I was doing, then found a flower that took my attention off the little fella. When I turned away from him, he zoomed back in, almost as if trying to get a better look at what I was looking at. He did this several times, and finally that second dragonfly came back, but this little one, who had been "playing" with me, chased him off, almost like a dog would chase off other dogs when he has a new play toy-and then he came right back to me! Even my husband noticed the antics-really before I did. Has anyone seen anything like this where nature tries to get you to interact with it?
This is not the first time something like this has happend. I've been in the middle of a store-when out of no-where this cat ran up to me and started rubbing my legs! All I could do is stand there in shock. By the way, this was not a pet store!
Yesterday, I found a land turtle about the size of a coconut at my front door. We live in an appartment complex, in the middle of the city, but there is definately a country feel to the place. Still, there is no water near by, and 3 other doors he could have been at, and even 2 other breezeways!
I am an animal lover, so maybe that explains the attraction that seems to follow me., I dunno...
Would be interested in others experiences!
Posted by Colin Smale on July 11, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Please send me some of your medication, it sounds fantastic
I don't think what you witnessed was a dragonfly trying to play with you. Humans often attract insects, some people more than others and dragonflies prey on those little insects. I've had dragonflies and damselflies land on me while they snack on what they caught. I also don't think it was interacting with you directly, it may have been just finding the ease of catching insects around you more powerful than its fear of you.
And the "land turtle" was probably a gopher tortise who doesn't need water like a turtle does. They are in your area and aren't terribly afraid of humans.
Humans don't even register in dragonfly brains. They'll react to motion - several species of birds like to eat dragonflies, and those that don't react to motion don't breed. But people look like perches, to the extent we register at all. And we attract bugs, even if we are unaware of it.
John Hudson, the author of Dragonflies of Alaska, stays with us when he is in Fairbanks. He and I have talked about dragonfly behavior. He points out there isn't much room in their brains for learned behavior...
Wow! Thanks everyone for your super info! I knew this place would have the info, and I really appreciate it. And, Colin, its on its way, buddy!
Just kidding, of course!
Discussion
4 repliesI went down to the Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Evans, GA yesterday morning for some shots. After we were just about done for the day, we walked around from the main area down a little path to the waters edge. When we got there, we observed 2 dragonflies in what appeared to be playing. Then all of a sudden, one of the dragonflies came right up to me for a split second at face level, and then he would scurry off to a grassy area in the water. Few seconds later, he was back, doing the same thing to me. While I thought for a minute that I might have invaded his little retreat, it struck me that he actually appeared to be playing with me. Almost like dogs, where they run up to you, then away from you in hopes that you will run after them. So, I kept doing what I was doing, then found a flower that took my attention off the little fella. When I turned away from him, he zoomed back in, almost as if trying to get a better look at what I was looking at. He did this several times, and finally that second dragonfly came back, but this little one, who had been "playing" with me, chased him off, almost like a dog would chase off other dogs when he has a new play toy-and then he came right back to me! Even my husband noticed the antics-really before I did. Has anyone seen anything like this where nature tries to get you to interact with it?
This is not the first time something like this has happend. I've been in the middle of a store-when out of no-where this cat ran up to me and started rubbing my legs! All I could do is stand there in shock. By the way, this was not a pet store!
Yesterday, I found a land turtle about the size of a coconut at my front door. We live in an appartment complex, in the middle of the city, but there is definately a country feel to the place. Still, there is no water near by, and 3 other doors he could have been at, and even 2 other breezeways!
I am an animal lover, so maybe that explains the attraction that seems to follow me., I dunno...
Would be interested in others experiences!
I don't think what you witnessed was a dragonfly trying to play with you. Humans often attract insects, some people more than others and dragonflies prey on those little insects. I've had dragonflies and damselflies land on me while they snack on what they caught. I also don't think it was interacting with you directly, it may have been just finding the ease of catching insects around you more powerful than its fear of you.
And the "land turtle" was probably a gopher tortise who doesn't need water like a turtle does. They are in your area and aren't terribly afraid of humans.
John Hudson, the author of Dragonflies of Alaska, stays with us when he is in Fairbanks. He and I have talked about dragonfly behavior. He points out there isn't much room in their brains for learned behavior...
Just kidding, of course!