I chased around this beautiful female Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly (Erythemis simplicicollis), hoping in vain that she would land on something more natural-looking than the composite boards of the marsh boardwalk. Several times she took off and circled around a bit, but returned each time to the boardwalk.
Shooting from a high angle, I was able to capture some of the details of the dragonfly that I do not usually see, like the little hooks at the end of the hairy legs. I really like her pose as she seemed to lean toward me, without seeming threatening in any way.
As always, I was struck by the strikingly beautiful emerald color of the females of this species. It’s even more impressive in real life.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
That’s not a bad background for a dragonfly.
Thanks. It’s an interesting challenge to find an appropriate backdrop for a dragonfly. It would be nice for it to be natural-looking, but often they land in vegetation and the background is cluttered. It’s a trade-off each time.
I think the boardwalk helped show up the detail of the wings. Don’t be too hard on her! 😀
Hey Mike, I think she decided it was better to pose, then fly away. Great shot.
awesome! and very beautiful shots!!
That really is a beautiful green.
Love the color
Funny what they choose for a temporary perch, isn’t it? My best shot of one was on the cement outside my back door.