Normally I do not like to have manmade objects in my wildlife photos, but in this image of a dragonfly perching on a twisted wire, I really like the juxtaposition of the natural and manmade elements.
The dragonfly is a very mature female Great Blue Skimmer dragonfly (Libellula vibrans)—the bodies of females of this dragonfly species get darker as they age and this one seems to have an almost bronze-like patina. Although there was plenty of vegetation around, she repeated perched on this wire that was blocking one of the trails on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The diverse linear elements really draw my eyes to this image—the soft green lines of the vegetation in the background; the crisp angular lines of the leading edges of the wings; the slightly raised line formed by the dragonfly’s body; and the twisting lines of the wire.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It is fascinating!
I really like the lines in this photo, too, Mike. And of course those compound eyes are absolutely delightful. Lovely photo.
Thanks, Jet. I love the compound eyes of dragonflies and the speckles in the eyes and the multiple colors make these ones even more delightful.
Very nice Mike! I like the heavy wire it is on! Gives sort of an industrial feel adding to a nature element!
Circus time. Great shot, Mike.
“She danced without a net upon the wire…” brings to mind the Melissa Manchester song “Don’t Cry Out Loud.” Thanks, Tricia.
I prefer the all natural, too, but sometimes something that is different is a winner. Your description of the elements nailed it, Mike! Great photo!
Thanks, Ellen. As you may recall, there is a piece of rebar in a pond that I will photograph from time to time with a perched dragonfly, but generally I prefer to avoid manmade structures. Of course, there are always exceptions to general rules and I like to be a rule-breaker from time to time. 🙂
She picked her photo shoot, Mike! Great!
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Thanks, Mitzy. She seemed to be indicating to me that she was ready for her close-up. 🙂