It is still relatively early in the dragonfly season, but already I am running across dragonflies with tattered wings, like this Carolina Saddlebags (Tramea carolina) dragonfly that I spotted yesterday at Occoquan Regional Par. Despite the extensive damage to all of its wings, the dragonfly did not appear to have any problems flying. In fact, I tracked it for a lengthy period of time as it patrolled over a small pond, waiting and hoping that it would finally land.
When the dragonfly decided to take a break, it perched on several pieces of vegetation that were covered with old spider webs. The vegetation was about as tall as I am, so I was able to shoot at a slight upwards angle that let me capture the wing patches that reminded someone of “saddlebags” when they were naming the species.
I was shooting almost directly into the sun, which gave a nice effect by illuminating the dragonfly’s wings from behind, but I kept having to adjust my camera to keep the body from appearing as a silhouette. I experimented with a number of different techniques, including using my pop-up flash for the final photo, which gives the image an almost studio-like appearance.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I’ve noticed the same phenomenon with butterflies: still flying despite significant damage to their wings.
The will to survive and adaptation combine to help these creatures push beyond their disabilities.
Nice to have the eye-level and above opportunity, Mike. These turned out very nice!
Thanks, Ellen. I was so thrilled that this one sat still long enough for me to get shots. Often Carolina Saddlebags fly and fly and never seem to want to perch.
Great details.
Excellent photos, Mike. The poor thing looks like it’s had a rough start this year.
Thanks, Dan. Despite the obvious damage to its wings, the dragonfly carries on. As I get older, I am more conscious of the fact that good health is not guaranteed and that I am slowly starting to lose the ability to do some things that I too used to do.
I always think about you getting down for some of those photos (and getting back up).
Great capture.
Nice Series Mike! Usually you do not see this much wing damage this early in the season. It is amazing how well they can still fly with a lot of wing damage!
It is unusually to see wings shredded like that in early May. I have to wonder if this one migrated north from a more southern location.
It seems early in the season for them to be in that state?
It really does seem early, Chris. This species, though, is a migratory one and I wonder if this dragonfly started its life earlier than the local ones.
For some reason, the conversation about this reminded me of three-legged dogs. You would think they would suffer in ability to get about but whether wing damage or a missing leg, the will to carry on triumphs.
So true, Steve. We humans tend to complain more about what we cannot do, while other creatures focus on those things that they can still do. 🙂
Wow! So beautiful. And such a beautiful, silent dragonfly tale told through your images.
I love the thought of a “beautiful, silent dragonfly tale.” So often in mythology, the dragon is the villain, so why not flip the script and portray him as the hero, saving damselflies in distress. 🙂
This tattered-winged one is a she to me. ☺️ I’ve always felt a spiritual connection to dragonflies.
Wow. I love both the poem and your dragonfly photos, Laura.
Poor thing. Glad it can adapt, but wish it did not have to!
I agree, Molly, but it seems that wear and tear is inevitable with such delicate creatures as they go about their daily lives.