Dragonfly
>> Thursday, August 18, 2011 –
insects
I love dragonflies. Maybe it's the googly eyes, or the stiff horizontal wings, or the way they fly so fast, hovering erratically, changing elevation so quickly.
This one has been hanging around my stream for the last few days, so I've been out there with the camera a lot.
It didn't like me getting too close, so getting photos was a challenge.
When I didn't have the camera it would land just inches in front of me, but with camera in hand it wouldn't come near.
I know it was just a coincidence, but it happened again and again -- so frustrating!
I know having a pond is a sure way to attract dragonflies, but I don't have a pond. I have a "stream" of constantly moving water that contains a couple of small pools, barely large enough for a bird to bathe in.
I know the dragonflies lay eggs there though, because I've seen nymphs in the water before. I'm just not sure exactly how they survive there. Some species take several years to mature, and my stream doesn't run all winter, so I don't know where they go when the water stops.
However they do it, survive they do as I always see dragonflies (and damselflies) around the stream.
Which is a very good thing if you ask me.
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Never had dragonflies grace my yard.. I think the fish and the birds get them before they ever have a chance to establish. Cool photos, thanks for sharing
M
I love the last photo. *static crackles* "Dragonfly Leader, ready for take-off."