The Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) occurs almost world-wide. Within the United States it is usually quite common and widespread. Gliders have especially large rear wings and seem to stay in flight much of the time. The glider shown in the top image was resting on a weed stalk in Austin, Travis Co., Texas in June 2003. The shot was taken with a Canon EOS 10D and 70-200 mm F2.8 L IS lens and 2X extender and 550 EX flash. The next shot was taken in June 2004 at the same location.

The next two shots of a Wandering Glider were taken in Dallas, Dallas Co., Texas, in August, 2007, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and 580 flash.

The Wandering Glider on the left was in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in June, 2008. It was shot with the same gear as the shots above.

The next two shots show an early season Wandering Glider in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in February, 2009. The same gear as the images just above was used.

The male Wandering Glider on the left was in Hansford Co., Texas, in July, 2009. This image was taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and 580 flash.

The next 6 shots of Wandering Gliders were taken in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in August, 2009, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and 580 flash.

The shot on the left shows 2 Wandering Gliders perched above a single Spot-winged Glider.

Sometimes Wandering Gliders will hover in one place long enough for some flight shots. The male in the next 9 shots gave me some nice photo ops in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in September, 2009. These images were all taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and 580 flash.