Every time that I visit Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge, I alway check a spot near a fishing platform where there is a piece of rebar sticking out of the water. In the past I have seen dragonflies of various species perching on the rebar and it provides a wonderful photographic opportunity, assuming that the dragonfly does not immediately fly away, which happens about half of the time.
Yesterday a male Eastern Amberwing dragonfly (Perithemis tenera) was perched on the rebar. I love the contrast between the colors, patterns, and textures of the natural object, the dragonfly, and those of the man-made subject, the rebar. The muddy waters of the pond provide a uniform background color that really complements the amber and rust tones of the primary subjects.
One of the coolest things about this image is the long amber shadow that the dragonfly is casting onto the rebar. I am a huge fan of shadows and reflections, which often add a “wow” factor to an image, the proverbial “cherry on top.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I think I’ve seen these flying, but I’ve never seen one perched. That color’s remarkable, and you’re right that it combines nicely with the rebar. Is it possible that your title’s a play on Joan Baez’s memorable song “Diamonds and Rust”?
That’s a great image, Mike.
Beautiful portrait and beautiful study in color harmony.
Thanks, Michael.
Wowzer! I think this might be one of my favourite photos you have ever taken of a dragonfly. I love the warm hues of the entire image, the strong composition, the contrasting visual textures, the crisply sharp detail, the handling of the lighting, and the way you’ve captured the glow of the dragonfly’s wings on the rebar. It is like seeing the stained glass reflections hitting the surfaces of a building. Wonderful!
Thanks for your incredibly kind words, Laura. In many ways this image represents for me an almost perfect balance between artistry and technical excellence. You have once again shown an amazing knack for being able to describe what you liked about the image. That kind of detailed feedback is incredibly helpful to me, because it is so hard for me to view my photos objectively.
You are very welcome.
What a great shot, Mike!
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Thanks, Mitzy.
Very nice Mike! I really like the amber shadow also!
Thanks, Reed. A colorful shadow is a really cool effect that you generally get only with objects like stained glass windows.
Oh yes, the cherry on top with this one with that amber shadow through the wings! Very cool, and nice to have a popular perching spot to re-check every time you go.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Ellen. I tend to remember certain specific spots where I have gotten some good shots. Often they turn out to be just random places where I got lucky, but sometimes lightning strikes the same place twice or even more often than that. Here, for example, is a link to a Common Whitetail on the same piece of rebar earlier this year (https://michaelqpowell.com/2021/05/29/unnatural-perch/) and a Slaty Skimmer five years ago (https://michaelqpowell.com/2016/06/28/juxtaposition-ii/). 🙂
You are welcome, Mike! Those are both great images on the rebar. Sort of interesting to have a steady, man-made component to rely on. Many of the places I, and I’m sure you, revisit change from season to season, or year to year, as nature has its way growing or destroying. The big piece you discovered that dropped out of an Eagle nest comes to mind.
Indeed. Nature is every changing–I notice places where vegetation has overgrown formerly clear areas and places where prominent trees have fallen down. In some of the parks that I visit, they do controlled burns to maintain a certain habitat, but those seem to have been on hold the past year or two. Nature is ever-changing and that is one of the many reasons why I am content to explore the same places over and over again–somehow they are never the same.
Yet another example of your ability to “see” a special composition.
Those small dragons are like little flying jewels. i love catching them in the early morning on a dew-covered leaf or blade of grass. The length of the wing shadow in your wonderful photograph lead me to believe it may have been taken late in the day.
Very nice, Mike.
Thanks, Wally. Yes, it was around midday when I took the photo. Although I too like the dew-covered perches, more often than not recently I have been going out later in the day, partly to avoid the crowds.
Yes, I believe we have seen that rebar previously! I am so far behind on reading, but this is a great shot!!
Thanks, Molly. I fall behind fairly regularly in reading blogs and try to periodically catch up a bit.
A truly stunning photo, Mike. When I saw the amber shadow, my hand went to my heart. I so enjoyed hearing about the piece of rebar that you have become familiar with, it highlights the joy of going to familiar places. And the amber dragonfly on the rusty rebar is phenomenal. Masterful.
Thanks, Jet. If I ever need a PR person, I think I need to hire you. Your words are so encouraging and positive and are always a joy to read.
Wonder if it knows that it is on a matching color.