On the evening of July 21, 2015 a cold front was rapidly advancing through Stratford, Connecticut from the northwest, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the tri-state area. This video was taken at Stratford Point, a peninsula that stretches far into Long Island Sound and harbors migratory insects and birds throughout the year. These Swamp Darners (Epiaeschna heros) and Common Green Darners (Anax junius) suddenly swarmed the site, seeking refuge from the rain and storms in this corner of the building and covered porch. Some literally flew into me while I filmed. This behavior has been recorded at the site in previous summers. The video is looking east over the gardens and grasslands of Stratford Point towards Long Island Sound where a rainbow briefly started to form. Dozens and dozens of dragonflies stayed primarily at the south to southwest corner of the building, out of the suddenly shifting north and northwest wind. Stratford Point only experienced a brief shower, and thunderstorms were restricted to surrounding areas. The following day featured several hundred Common Green Darners at the site as migration is heating up, with the days following cold fronts always being the most productive.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
