I was happy yesterday to spot several Common Sanddragon dragonflies (Progomphus obscurus) while exploring a creek that runs through a small suburban park in Fairfax County, only a few miles from where I live. Unlike many other dragonflies that like areas with vegetation, this species prefers sunny, shallow creeks with sandy or gravelly banks.
Quite often Common Sanddragons will perch flat on the sand or with their abdomens raised a little or even a lot, as shown in the third image. The third image is quite unusual, because it shows a Common Sanddragon perched off of the ground and away from the water. When I first spotted the dragonfly perched on that dead branch, I had to look really closely to convince myself that it was in fact a Common Sanddragon. Fortunately, male Common Sanddragons have bright terminal appendages, known as cerci, at the tip of their abdomens that make them easy to identify.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It is wonderful to be introduced to the sanddragons, Mike. Each one of your photos is a marvel. Having running water in creeks is something we don’t have much of in northern Calif., and that you have so many creeks and find all these magnificent dragonflies is a joy for me. They are such interesting creatures…and so are you.
Thanks so much for your exceptionally kind words, Jet. We are truly blessed to have an abundance of water and this year more than any other I have spent a lot of time exploring creeks. I know that the water situation is brutal in California and much of the Western US, with drought conditions and severe shortages in many places. Dragonflies are such magical and fascinating creatures and I love to share them with others. (I must confess that I was blushing a bit when I read your last few words. Thanks, Jet.)
Very nice captures, Mike, and how fun to see one doing something out of the ordinary. Your first image with the stone background shows how different the Sandragon’s preferred territory is from what I am used to seeing. Was it exceptionally warm that that day that one would perch away from the hot ground?
Thanks, Ellen. It was warm, but not exceptionally so, maybe mid 80’s at most. The sand was relatively cool, so I am not sure why the Sanddragons didn’t stay there. If anything, I have found that the Common Sanddragons prefer the direct sunlight and don’t seem to hang out much in the shaded areas.