Setting Sail on the Good Ship Whirligig

Whirligig Beetles (Gyrinus sp)

Whirligig Beetles (Gyrinus sp)

Whilst out by a small stream, hoping to see the Southern Hawker Dragonfly that was there previously when I didn’t have my camera with me, I noticed an abundance of whirligig beetles. Nothing out of the ordinary, they were just doing their usual…. whirligigging.

Then I noticed a leaf, slowly drifting along with the current which looked like a perfect little raft. Something that the beetles agreed with as one by one they clambered on-board until the leaf was packed.

Perhaps taking a moment to rest out of the water, in the sun. Or maybe upping sticks and setting sail for a better life somewhere further down stream, where life is less hectic? Either way, I stood and saluted as they slowly drifted past, as I believe this is the universally excepted response to this kind of occurrence.

I took a few photos at water level but really this was a spectacle that needs to be seen on video rather than through images which you can see below.

 
Andrew Neal

Photographer from Essex, specialising in capturing the diversity of wildlife in the UK.

https://andrewneal.gallery
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Devil’s Coach Horse