Do you like to hang out in the swamp? Swamps may not be the most hospitable place for humans, but they provide a wonderful environment for all kinds of photogenic creatures. For example, the bright yellow Prothontary Warbler that I featured yesterday likes to hang out in a wooded swamp, unlike most warblers that prefer trees in a drier environment.
As I was photographing that bird two weeks ago at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I noticed some very large dragonflies flying around in the same area. I recognized them as Swamp Darner dragonflies (Epiaeschna heros) and I was thrilled when one of the females decided to deposit some eggs in a fallen log not far from where I was standing observing the warbler. I had to bend down a bit, but essentially my feet stayed in the same spot.
It is definitely cool to be able to photograph two such colorful species from the same spot. The experience is a good reminder not to get so focused on your primary subject that you lose sight of what is happening around you. You never know when an equally good or even better subject may be at your feet, above your head, or to your right or left.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Your point’s well taken. I had plunked myself down on a boardwalk to photograph some alligator weed last Sunday when a dragonfly showed up. Have you ever had the sense that one’s curious about you? I thought the thing was going to walk up my leg. It kept coming closer and closer, staring straight at the camera. After a few minutes, I couldn’t help laughing. Maybe I looked pretty darned weird to it.
I have often wondered what it would be like to see the world though dragonfly eyes. I definitely think that some dragonflies are curious and have had them land on me numerous times. Here’s a link to a posting where I attempted to photograph a dragonfly on my leg–it required some serious contortions. https://michaelqpowell.com/2015/11/27/perched-on-me/
Those are wonderful photos. I was astonished to find that I’d managed to capture some of the dragonfly’s internal eye structure. I didn’t realize my 100mm could do that, but I suppose it’s been the operator who hasn’t been able to do it!
🙂
Words of wisdom for swamp dwellers 😀… watch your back, you just never know
Oh, that’s a beautiful one.
That’s a great photo, Mike. These guys look like aliens.