On Friday I had a close encounter with one of my favorite dragonflies, a spectacular Blue-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum ambiguum). This species is a sign for me each year of the arrival of autumn and I eagerly await its appearance. I find the blue eyes to be mesmerizing and simply love the way that they contrast with the bold red color of its body.
I could go on and on about the beauty of this dragonfly until I too was blue in the face, but I will simply let you enjoy a glimpse of its beauty.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
What an amazing image, Mike! The colours of this dragonfly are just wonderful! I really like dragonflies, and this one is awesome.
Thanks, Pete. Drab insects are ok, but there is something even more special about one with such bright colors.
You’ve certainly been having a great year for your dragonflies. This one, I agree, is really gorgeous!
Thanks, Gary. Indeed it has been a good dragonfly season for me. I’ve spotted some new species and taken so nice shots of some of my old friends. With some help from a friend, I have become much more sensitized to the habitats that various species prefer and I have searched longer and more diligently than in the past. Most of all, however, I’ve been pretty lucky. Dragonfly season will come to a close relatively soon, but I’ll be looking for them until early December or so, when the last Autumn Meadowhawk survivor gives up the ghost.
Stunning!
Thanks, Chris
Another fantastic photograph!!!
Thanks. The insects will soon be gone, so I am trying to photograph as many of them as I can before it is too late.
Wow!!
Never realized there was so much variety not to mention this amazinly colorful dragonfly. Nice picture. M 🙂