Where do dragonflies like to perch? Different species perch in different ways and in different places (and some species spend most of their time flying and rarely seem to perch). Some dragonflies perch horizontally or at an angle, while others hang vertically. Some species perch on trees or in vegetation, while others perch on the bare ground or on the sand. When I am out hunting for dragonflies, their perching behavior is often my first clue to their identities.
When I spotted these two dragonflies perched in the rocks and sand at the edge of a stream in Prince William County that I was exploring with fellow dragonfly enthusiast Walter Sanford last Thursday, I guessed immediately that they were Ashy Clubtails. When I got a little closer, I was able to confirm that they both are male Ashy Clubtails. Ashy Clubtail dragonflies (Phanogomphus lividus) are an early-spring species that generally perch flat on bare-soil, fallen logs, rocks, or leaf litter. Sometimes I have even found them perching right in the middle of a sunlit hiking trail.
When dragonflies are perched higher, I like to try to get eye-level shots of them, but that is almost impossible to do when they are flat on the ground. I suppose that I could have tried the limbo approach—how low can you go? However, in this case, I stood as directly over them as I could and shot downwards in an attempt to get as sharp a shot as possible of their entire bodies.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I did not see any dragonflies get due to the cold and rainy weather this year.
You made some great shots like these ones and the others before.
Thanks. Hopefully your weather will improve soon and the dragonflies will appear. I have had an unusually successful spring dragonfly season and have been fortunate to spot quite a few species already.
When I was out this weekend, I saw something I’ve never seen before. I came across a ‘flock’ of dragonflies of all colors and designs: reddish, brown, blue, and so on. All of them were quite small, perhaps two or three inches long, and they were flying fairly low to the ground. I’m pretty good at distinguishing dragonflies from damselflies, and I’m sure these were dragonflies. I went back an hour later and they still were gathered in the same spot. Any ideas?
Wow. I have heard of swarming behavior with dragonflies either feeding on a cloud of insects or migrating together, but have never seen it. The most dragonflies that I have seen together in a group were a dozen or so. I am quite intrigued by your description. There is a scientist who studies some of this behavior in a project she calls the Dragonfly Swarm Project. You can learn more about it at https://thedragonflywoman.com/dsp/ .
Gosh, so many different species. I had no idea. And they are all so gorgeous and faery like. Magical.
Thanks, Tricia. We are blessed to live in a region where there is an abundance of dragonfly species. I totally agree with you about the faery-like and magical attraction of these aerial acrobats–you probably have noticed that I have fallen under their spell.
I think you have, yes.
This must be a wonderful time of year for you, Mike! Such fun finds!
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Does it show? Yes, it is definitely a fun time for me. I have gone on some long excursions that may not be possible or bearable when the hot humid weather of summer arrive. We have a preview of that later this week when temperatures are supposed to reach the low 90’s.
I am surprised by how motionless the dragonfly is with your presence above him. Great stealth work on your part to spot them and take such entrancing photos. I am happy to hear that limbo was not involved in your already and often herculean efforts to procure these beautiful photos you share. Happy spotting, Mike.
Thanks, Suzette. I try to move slowly and deliberately, taking shots along the way. Sometimes I end up spooking the dragonfly, but if I am luck I will be able to track it in the air until the dragonfly finds its next perching spot. The biggest thing I have to pay attention to is my shadow. If I cast a shadow on a dragonfly, it is almost guaranteed to fly away.
Ah! So the shadow is the key. Great information. Thank you Mike.😊
Looks like a dangerous place to perch. I’m assuming they fly away fast if they’re about to be stepped on.
Nice Dragonfly images Mike! Can not wait to see more!