Update July 22, 2020: So far during the Odonata survey you've helped to report 14 different species of dragonflies and damselflies across the four survey sites. The table below shows what has been found so far. Hopefully this will help to focus your efforts and eliminate time spent hunting down species that have already been found by someone else.
Species found in 2020 so far. Table by Graham Steinhauer
Here is the link to all of the species of dragonflies and damselflies found in Columbia County http://wiatri.net/inventory/odonata/Checklist/ChecklistResults.cfm?CountyID=11 . Thanks so much for the help!
Common pondhawk. Photo by JD Arnston.
Announcement July 15, 2020: This year and next year we're going to put a special emphasis on dragonflies and damselflies. Our goal with your help is to find as many species as possible at Goose Pond, Erstad Prairie/Schoenberg Marsh, and Otsego Marsh.
Could you help us search, identify, and tally them? This is an independently completed citizen science project. Details and guidance are below!
Dragonflies are rewarding to look for because they're active critters, they have vibrant colors, they are easily found, and there are many species. Included here are the species for Columbia County along with Identification.
Immature male or female widow skimmer. Goose Pond Sanctuary. Photo by Graham Steinhauer
Location- Anywhere at Goose Pond, Erstad Prairie/Schoenberg Marsh, and Otsego Marsh are potential search sites. Areas near open water tend to be the most productive, but be sure to check a variety of habitats for a variety of species. At the bottom of this email are suggested hotspots at Goose Pond, but don't forget about Erstad and Otsego! Look for them at the top of perches like extra tall grass or dead shrubs.
Gear- A camera or binoculars are crucial for surveying dragonflies. Cameras are ideal as you can reference photos later in a field guide. Here is a link to field guides recommended by the DNR. You can also net dragonflies for ID, but they're very hard to catch, and photos are just as reliable.
How to Report Data- Please send all observations/photos to Graham Steinhauer (gsteinhauer@madisonaudubon.org), along with the observer's name, the location, and the species. If you do not provide a photo, your observation may not be counted depending on how easily confused your species is with other species. Photos don't need to be perfect, just focused enough for identification. We will then give this compiled data to Wisconsin DNR.
Hotspots for dragon- and damselflies at Goose Pond Sanctuary:
1. Jackson Wetland- Parking at Browne Prairie parking lot
2. Wetland Scrapes- Parking at Kampen Road Residence (W7503 Kampen Road, Arlington)
3. Bicentennial Prairie- Parking along Prairie Lane
Good luck and thank you!
Written by Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Sanctuary land steward
