One of the earliest dragonflies to appear in our area is the Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) and it is also one of the last to be seen in the fall. During the summer months, these dragonflies can be seen flying all around the ponds at my local marshland. I spotted this one last Friday in a wooded area and initially had trouble seeing it as it flew made a series of short, hopping flights among the fallen leaves on the floor of the woods. As is usually the case, I tried to get as close as I could for the first shot below, but decided to also include a shot that gives you a better idea of the surroundings in which I found this little dragonfly.
Later in the seasons, the Common Whitetail will in fact be common, but this early in the spring, I am pleased with my uncommon find.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Like I always say, Common Whitetail dragonflies are like bad party guests — they are among the first to arrive and the last to leave!
I couldn’t remember your exact quote, Walter, so I used a paraphrase of sorts of your line in the title of my posting.
I still haven’t seen a dragonfly here yet but last week was cool and damp.
Amazing, I had no idea that they actually arrive this early in the year…Good to know, I will start looking.
Glad you found this one early in the season! Interestingly here in South Florida we have a great number of dragonflies recently. I really don’t know about their habits, but I’d like to learn more. Thanks for only always sharing so much scientific information in your posts! (I hear there is an expert known as the Dragonfly Lady who gives lectures locally….I’m inspired to look her up).