Common Baskettail dragonflies (Epitheca cynosura) were flying yesterday at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge and I managed to capture a few shots of them while they were patrolling over the pond.
There are some really cool things about dragonflies that you can observe from the photos. In the first one, you can see how dragonflies can eat on the move. Their amazing aerial skills help them to snag smaller insects out of the air. This is particularly important for species like this one that seem capable of flying for hours on end without pausing to perch. In both images you can see how the dragonfly tucks up its legs to make it more aerodynamic while flying.
So how do I get photos like this? Above all else, patience is the key. There were several dragonflies flying over the water yesterday and I observed each of them, trying to discern a pattern in their flights. The others were flying more erratically, but this one seemed to hover a bit from time to time. The subject was too small for my camera to grab focus quickly, so I resorted to focusing the lens manually.
It took a lot of shots, but eventually I was able to capture a few images that let you see some of the beautiful details of the dragonfly, particularly its very striking eyes. In case you are curious about the differing backgrounds, I shot the first image while pointing down at the dragonfly, while for the second one I was more level with the dragonfly, which caused the background to essentially disappear.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice captures, Mike, neat that you caught him with his legs tucked.
Your persistence and patience were greatly rewarded! I can’t wait to share this with Benjamin tomorrow. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
Several people passed by me when I was attempting to get these shots. They couldn’t seem to figure out what I was doing and seemed amazed when I explained to them that I was trying to photograph the dragonflies as they were flying. I suspect there are enough details that Benjamin will love looking at the images closely.
These shots are amazing, Mike! Wow!
Thanks, Laura. These are the kind of shots that I love to attempt, even though the success rate is low. I suspect that a person without a good deal of patience would not even attempt them.
Benjamin is delighted with the “flying dragonflies”. Each enlarged photo was examined and he remarked upon each detail of the body. He noticed “his feet are up” and “the wings are moving” and “his eyes are big and blue”! Benjamin loves dragonflies. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Nice Mike! It is a challenge to get them in flight! It is great it is Dragonfly season again!
I think we both love dragonflies and a good challenge. Happy hunting!