The Biblical book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” and that is certainly the case with dragonflies. Some dragonfly species are with us for the entire summer, but other species can be seen for only days or weeks and then their season is over. Short flight seasons and specific habitat requirements combine to make some dragonfly species uncommon or even rare.
This past Monday I was happy to capture some more photos of one of those uncommon species, the Gray Petaltail dragonfly (Tachopteryx thoreyi). Earlier this month I observed several of these gray and black beauties for the first time and I was thrilled to be able to take photos to document my sighting. That was the start of a familiar cycle for me—my momentary joy at documenting a new species was replaced by a desire to capture better images, ones that appeal to me artistically.
This may well be my last Gray Petaltail dragonfly sighting of the season, and that makes me a little sad, but other dragonflies will soon be coming onto the scene. So I’ll keep moving forward in search of my next subject, content to photograph familiar ones, but with eyes wide open as I scan my surroundings for new ones too—to everything there is a season.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice Mike! I never have seen one before!
What a beautiful photo, I love it. Benjamin is on vacation with my Son’s family at a beach house in New Hampshire until Tuesday. I will be sure to show him another of his beloved dragonflies next week. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
Thanks, Ellen. We are about to have a heat wave with temperatures soaring near 100 degrees the next few day, so I am not sure how much time I will be out with my camera. The beach sounds like a great idea. 🙂