A sunny spot

Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) rests on the sunny spot on Mrs Movers hand

This small Dragonfly is seen in a wide variety of habitats, including lakes, ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. They are ambush predators, waiting on a prominent perch - such as a leaf or the top of a gate, until prey fly past, whereupon they will fly after it. They are territorial on breeding waters, often attempting to chase much bigger Dragonflies away such as Southern Hawkers. This habit of repeatedly returning to a sunny spot allows you to easily predict where they are going to land, which is why it is apparently one of the easiest dragonflies to photograph.

Thanks to matey at the back who has numerous ponds and water features.