On a beautiful sunny day this past Monday I searched diligently for the first dragonflies of the spring at my local marshland park. I knew that it was probably too early for dragonflies, but somehow I hoped that the 65 degree temperatures (18 degrees C) would magically cause them to appear.
I traipsed through the mud and along the banks of several streams; I examined vernal pools where the frogs were already active; and I walked though fields where the dried-up vegetation was neck high. I looked and looked for half a day, but came up empty-handed.
Later in the week I was going over some photos from last June and came across this image of a Unicorn Clubtail dragonfly (Arigomphus villosipes). There was something about the image that really appealed to me.
So here is a memory of the past, with hopes for an equally successful dragonfly hunting season as we move into spring.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
You have to wonder what all those singing frogs are finding to eat. There must be some kinds of insects about.
This individual is a male. But you knew that, right Mike?
Very pretty! That’s a pretty amazingly smooth background for the shot as well.
I wish us all happy hunting for the new season!
Great photo, Mike, and one that gives me hope of things to come. I cannot wait to see the first dragonfly of the year. This winter has been so long and brutally cold that I had even forgotten about Spring Peepers until I saw your frog photo. I sure can’t wait to hear them sing from all of the vernal pools and our pond. It will be a glorious sound! Thanks for the signs of hope.