Eastern Pondhawk dragonflies (Erythemis simplicicollis) are voracious predators and I spotted this female pondhawk munching on another insect this past Tuesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. At this time of the year the vegetation has grown high in many of the locations that I visit and I am now seeing more dragonflies perching at eye level or even higher. This heightened perspective allows me to get some cool, uncluttered backgrounds, like the one in this image that reminds me of a watercolor painting.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s a really interesting shot!
I am glad you like it, Liz. For me, there is a lot to like–the gorgeous green color of the dragonfly, the painterly backgrounds, the light as it hits the vegetation, the texture of the stalks of the the vegetation, and so on. It is a simple shot in some ways, and quite complex in others.
I agree about the complexity and enjoyed reading the things you like. My contribution would be that I enjoy the pondhawk has its meal.. keeping it real!
“Keeping it real”– I agree with you. Many folks like to see the beauty in nature without thinking about the fact that these creatures often struggle to survive and are predators or prey or, in most cases, both, depending on the situation.
I like the composition, Mike. Especially the wings.
Nice Mike! Always fun to see you images!
When Benjamin and I read this post and then viewed the enlarged photo, he had his nose almost touching the screen. His close inspection was an attempt to determine what the dragonfly had captured for “breakfast”. With a shake of his head and a shrug of his shoulders, he sadly looked at the doomed insect and said : “Poor bug, sorry but everything has to eat. The dragonfly needs protein for his hurt wing you know!” This is a magnificent photo that shows how the food chain works in nature. Benjamin understands that, but has sympathy for the eaten! Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Wonderful photograph, Mike!
That angle is perfect to include the artistic background. Any time I can capture an image of a creature with prey is very special.
Those who are not able to observe nature on a frequent basis are often stunned to learn critters actually eat one another!
Isn’t that green of the female Pondhawk glorious?
I absolutely love that green on the female (and immature male) pondhawks.
Great colour on that dragonfly.
Wow, that pondhawk is looking rather mean and true to its name, but beautiful and clear shot, Mike!
Thanks, Chris–sometimes beauty and the beast are one and the same.
Love yours I tried to get close to some as well.
Great capture and such an interesting perch and lunch!
Nothing lovely for the bug he is devouring!