Free lecture with Hugh Ranson.

Saturday, September 26, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Tipton Meeting House and in the field, UC Sedgwick Reserve.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m. for those who would like to picnic prior to the lecture.

Join us for an eye-opening lecture about local dragonflies with Hugh Ranson, an authority on this unique life-form in Santa Barbara County. Dragonflies, like birds, are gorgeous, fleeting, and their behaviors endlessly fascinating. They are said to be the world’s most efficient predator. There is still relatively little known about their status and distribution in the Santa Barbara region; Ranson has added eight species to the county list, which now stands at 52 species. Dragonflies are surprisingly easy to photograph without the need for very expensive equipment, and Ranson’s photos will inspire many to give it a try.

The hour-long lecture will cover the natural history of dragonflies, including photos of some of the more common species and the key features that help identify them. Following the lecture, participants will walk to the Sedgwick pond and spend an hour watching dragonflies and perhaps netting a few for a closer look. Bring binoculars for the field walk. If you bring a camera, a zoom lens is helpful.

Hugh Ranson first became interested in birds at an early age in his native England, and has birded for over 40 years . Three years ago he became interested in dragonflies and was immediately smitten; he has since spent hundreds of hours in the field, helping further our knowledge of the dragonflies of Santa Barbara County. Ranson teaches fifth grade in Goleta, and can always be found on his lunch break at a local pond, watching, netting, and photographing dragonflies.

Co-sponsored by UC Sedgwick Reserve, 3566 Brinkerhoff Avenue, Santa Ynez, CA 93460

Photo: a rare Roseate Skimmer, by Hugh Ranson