Normally I like to photograph dragonflies in their natural environment, but when an Eastern Amberwing dragonfly (Perithemis tenera) chose to perch on a curved piece of rebar recently, the juxtaposition of the natural and man-made elements seemed to create a sense of harmony rather than one of dissonance.
I took this photo at a small man-made pond at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia. Later in the summer I hope to see water lilies and lotus blossoms at the pond, but it is mostly devoid of vegetation right now, which many be why the dragonfly chose this unusual perch.
I have no idea why this piece of reinforcing steel is sticking out of the water, but its reddish-brown color and curved shape made it a good match for this tiny dragonfly.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The rust colour is perfect for the wings of the dragonfly – which look like they’ve been carved from amber. I like the juxtaposition between the industrial and natural. And given the man-made element is eroding it’s almost a narrative about nature reclaiming space.
This is a great shot! The segments on the rebar match the segments of the dragonfly. Perhaps he thought this was the girl of his dreams!!!
Thanks, Sally.
The background is perfect to show off the beautiful color of its wings.
Thanks, Allen.
Totally smitten with this gorgeous shot!