We are at a time of the summer, when it is unlikely that I will see any new dragonflies for the season. Several species will emerge towards the end of the summer, but for now I see the same familiar faces over and over again.
I really am content, though, with photographing the beauty of these wonderful aerial acrobats and never grow tired of photographing the same ones over and over. Each outing with my camera is an opportunity to capture images in a different way, in different environments, and in situations with different lighting.
Last week I was delighted to capture these images of male Widow Skimmer dragonflies (Libellula luctuosa) during a visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I just love the brown and white patches on the wings of these dragonflies that make them really stand out from all other dragonflies in our area.
These shots also illustrate the fact that the shapes of the front wings of most dragonflies are different from the rear wings. I suspect that the different shapes play a role in enabling the amazing flight capabilities of dragonflies, although I confess that I do not understand very well the aerodynamics of dragonfly flight—their flight seems almost magical to me.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
These shots present their wings, size, and body position very well. Maybe the best you have shot 👏👏👏
Thanks, Ted. Like virtually all wildlife photographers, I am pushed to go out again and again to photograph the same species with the hope and expectation that I will get even better photos. It is kind of the opposite of some birders, who are no longer interested in a bird once they have see it and added it to their “life list.”
I marvel at your words…”you see the same familiar faces…”
How can you tell these tiny creatures apart! Amazing attention to detail, Mike.
Alas, I probably can’t tell individuals of the same species apart, Suzette, but sometimes it feels like I can. It’s hard to describe that feeling exactly, but there are times when I feel more comfortable and secure in nature than I do when I am surrounded by people.
I understand Mike. I truly do.
Awesome shots of a very beautiful species.
Nice series of Widow Skimmer dragonfly images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!
The species name of the widow skimmer is a reminder that English once used the adjective luctual: https://www.wordnik.com/words/luctual
Thanks, Steve. That is an English name that I have never encountered. 🙂
Spanish maintains the root in the expression de luto, which French would render en deuil.
Another great trio, and what a blessing that these little creatures provide us with endless opportunities!
Thanks, Ellen. I never tire of photographing dragonflies. Wildlife photography gets me out of the house and walking in the fresh air and, perhaps most importantly, stills my soul and stimulates my creativity.