I spotted this beautiful female Eastern Ringtail dragonfly (Erpetogomphus designatus) last week along the Potomac River while exploring Great Falls Park. Unlike some of the dragonflies that I have photographed recently that perched at the very tips of tall stems, this species likes to perch in vegetation relatively low to the ground. As a result, the background in this image is a little more cluttered than I prefer.
If you double click on the image, you will see the image in greater detail, including its marvelous multi-colored eyes and the wonderful colors and patterns on its body.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Now that is a very cool dragonfly!
Nice Mike! Interesting Dragonfly.
Thanks, Reed. Some species of dragonflies that I chase can be found in a variety of environments, but this one requires a pretty specific habitat, which makes it particularly exciting to spot one.