A few dragonflies

frons

Summer here in the states has been dangerously hot, so I just haven't ventured outside much until last weekend. The heat subsided a bit, some rain showers helped, and there was the first dew I can remember since April.

Here is an Anax junius. Nothing special, though I saw more than half a dozen in the early morning when usually they are so well camouflaged I never see them until later. Unfortunately, none were perched in such a way as to make it possible to get a shot I really liked so I moved on.


Here are a couple of Libellula pulchella. One in the early morning and another in mid-morning.







Here are a couple shots of a damselfy. First is natural light, second is with fill flash and a faster shutter speed.






Here is the ubiquitous Celithemis elisa, the most abundant species in this location every summer. Still a few individuals lingering late in the summer.




Here is a Libellula flavida. This female is displaying lovely yellow tones.



Here is a Dythemis fugax, or Checkered Setwing, showing how it received its nickname. This is a species I have never seen at this location, but which I usually see at another spot about 5 miles to the west.



This mature male has developed the characteristic bright red face.



Finally, here is a Libellula vibrans, the largest of the pond skimmers. I usually see this in or at the edge of the forest, but a pair were hanging out at this watering hole.



The face was in dark shadow, so I used fill flash here to light up the blue-green eyes and white face.

Lord Vetinari

Wonderful series of dragon and damsel captures !
Brian v.

frons

Thanks, Brian. I can see that my composition skills have gotten rusty, but maybe when the temps moderate a bit I will have some more opportunities to practice.

GOLDENORFE

very good series, like #3 best. compositions lol a bit rusty