We have reached the point of the season when the only dragonflies remaining are the hardy Autumn Meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum). I try to photograph every one that I see, knowing that it could be the last one that I spot for the year. In past years I have sometime seen Autumn Meadowhawks in December, but their continued presence is dependent on a number of factors, including the weather.
I photographed this Autumn Meadowhawk last Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Virginia—it was one of a half-dozen or so that I spotted that day. The little dragonfly appeared to be staring right at me with a mixture of curiosity and defiance. The dragonfly was perched on a log and I was happy to capture some of the texture of the wood along with a bit of autumn color in the background.
I will continue to keep an eye out for these little red dragonflies, knowing full well that their time is rapidly coming to an end.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Thankful you have a few left to hunt and capture for us!