October is upon us, and while the colors may be changing the temperatures are not. Unusually warm weather has been persisting throughout southwest Michigan, stretching out the summer. Last year we had already had a snowfall by this time…

Of course, I’ve been trying to take advantage of this with more insect photography – but in most cases the insects seem to be adhering to their own internal clocks. The numbers of dragonflies, butterflies, and insects of all sorts drop off this time of year, warm weather or no.

Last week I visited the marsh off 48th street in the Allegan Forest, and so far that has proven to be the only productive insect photography trip in recent days. The marsh was full of dozens of spotted spreadwing damselflies, almost all of which seemed to be mating. There were a few yellow legged meadowhawks, and to my surprise a few lingering ruby and white faced meadowhawks. I managed to get a few shots of the damselflies and one of a ruby meadowhawk – which, per my field guide, should be gone by now.

The three keeper photos are in the Image Stream. With record warm temperature predicted these next few days, I’ll probably try to make a few more outings, but overall it looks like the books will soon close on another insect photography season.