It is hard to get privacy for some summer loving and rivals may try to interfere when you are a damselfly. That appeared to be the case on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge for this couple of Big Bluet damselflies (Enallagma durum) that I spotted in flagrante delicto.
Feeling a little bit like a voyeur, I was focusing on the couple when I was unexpectedly photobombed by a second male Big Bluet. As I noted yesterday, it is challenging to capture images of a flying dragonfly and it is even harder to get an in-flight shot of a damselfly. In this case it was a matter of luck and quick reactions, rather than skill, that allowed me to get the photo of the incoming damselfly.
The couple changed their position a bit, but were undeterred by the intruder.Ā I was happy to capture the sidewards-heart shape that is typical of mating damselflies and even more thrilled with the way that the colorful background turned out in a preview of fall colors.
Ā© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Golly. So the third one is trying to get in on the act. lol. Great shot!
The male is probably trying to dislodge the other male. I don’t know all of the anatomical details, but if successful the male will try to scrape out the sperm of the initial male before the female deposits her eggs. If you want a few more details, check out this article https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/science/18dragonfly.html.
I think I’ve read something like that before.
Great capture,Mike!
Thanks, Chris.
Oh, Wow – what good shots!
Kinda glad I’m not a female damselfly …
Very nice Mike! Wonderful images! Enjoyed seeing them!
Iām pretty sure there was a bit of skill involved here too š. Very nice, three in the same image.
I enjoyed these fabulous photos, Mike, and also your light-hearted narrative.
Very nice captures, Mike, and as Ted said, perhaps a wee bit of skill! The excellent background really rounds out the scene.
Wonderful, the way you’ve put this moment on a picture. I’ve also seen it several times during my hikes.
Oh LOL, that first pic is so funny! Nigel walked in and I showed him, and we were both laughing š It’s wonderful, and they look so crisply focussed, what a shot! š
Once again, fortune favors the prepared. That first shot is a real classic, and you shouldn’t be so modest about being able to take advantage of the moment.
Thanks, Gary. You are, of course, correct about the role of preparation. My original explanation was perhaps a bit oversimplified. If you know your gear and subject well, then you have a much better chance of being able to take advantage of a moment if/when it happens–blind luck alone is never enough in and of itself, because you still have to get the shot.