Here are some shots of Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonflies (Stylurus plagiatus) that I photographed at Jackson Miles Abbot Wetland Refuge last Saturday. The first image shows a male perched in an evergreen tree. Sharp-eyed views may recognize this tree, which is the same one on which yesterday’s Common Green Darner was perched.
The second image shows a female Russet-tipped Clubtail in some vegetation. If you compare the tip of her abdomen (the “tail”) with that of the first dragonfly, you can readily see they they are different. That is one of the reasons why the terminal appendages of a dragonfly are a key identification feature in determining the gender of an individual. You can’t help but notice that her left hind wind is almost completely shredded. I suspect that she can still fly, albeit with some difficulty.
The final shot shows a male in flight over the pond at the refuge. This is the first time that I have gotten an identifiable shot of this species in the air. I actually did not realize that it was a Russet-tipped Clubtail when I took a burst of shots of then flying dragonfly. I had simply reacted instinctively when I spotted the dragonfly—if it’s flying, I’m trying. It was a pleasant surprise when I opened the images on my computer and realized what I had captured.
There are a few species that emerge in September, so this year’s dragonfly season is far from over. Tomorrow marks the start of a new month, a month that I hope will be full of new opportunities for me and for all of you.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Beautiful captures as always, Mike!
Thanks so much for your encouraging words. I feel blessed that I am able to find and photograph so many beautiful creatures.
You’re very welcome ☺️. It is such a blessing!
Great shots, Mike. I love that second photo.
Thanks, Dan. The damage to the wing of the dragonfly is mirrored by the damage to the leaf of the plant. It’s a sort of commentary on life.
Not an easy task to photograph a dragonfly in flight, all great shots Mike!
Thanks. It’s definitely a challenge to capture a dragonfly in flight, but I have practiced it enough that I am able to succeed some of the time (that the success rate is pretty low).
Understand, it’s taken me some time to be able look at something and lift the camera up so the 300mm (600mm FF) lens is on it … takes practice for sure!! The Olympus pro-capture is great for perched birds who take off to get the right moment.
Very nice series of dragonfly images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!
“if it’s flying, I’m trying” .. fab Mike, and now my motivational phrase for Sept! Not for my photography so much but as an encouragement to try harder when pursuing study or activities that look to be promising or worthwhile 🙂
I laughed when I read your comment, Liz. That little saying popped into my head when I was writing the post and I decided to include it. When it comes to difficult challenges, like photographing a flying dragonfly, some people are so intimidated that they won’t even try. If you tried harder, they might discover some tricks that make the task easier. It’s sort of what is described as “pressing on” in Philippians 3:13-14. 🙂
Very nice, Mike, and I particularly like your first image with the Clubtail perched on the evergreen branch.