Male dragonflies are often territorial and spend a lot of their time chasing off intruders, like these rival male Eastern Amberwing dragonflies (Perithemis tenera) that I spotted earlier this month at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. Although Eastern Amberwing dragonflies are quite small (one inch (25 mm) or less in length), they tend to hover a bit when they are flying, which makes them a little easier to photograph in flight than most other dragonfly species.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Neat photo, Mike!
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Thanks, Mitzy. From time to time I try to photograph dragonflies in flight. It’s challenging, but fun and occasionally the shots end up in focus (thought most do not). 🙂
These look so much like helicopters.
They sure do–tiny little helicopters.
I like seeing them in flight. Nicely done.
Thanks, Dan. These guys buzz all around the edge of the shoreline of several ponds that I visit. I love watching them, especially when they interact with each other.
Great composition. It reminds me of watching aeroplanes lined up waiting for their turn to land on the runway.
Skilled capture, Mike. This doesn’t look easy!
It tries the patience a bit to attempt to get shots like that one, Eliza, but for me it is a fun challenge, because I do not get frustrated very easily.
Congratulations on this striking success, Mike–way to go!
Thanks, Gary.
Getting one in flight is a nice accomplishment. Two is even nicer. 🙂
Thanks, Steve. I was initially trying to get both in focus, but they were flying at different altitudes, so it was virtually impossible to get enough depth of field. 🙂
Neat!!