I was thrilled to spot my first Swift Setwing dragonfly (Dythemis velox) of the season this past Friday at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. These little dragonflies perch in a distinctive pose with their wings pulled forward, which looked to some scientist like the “ready-set-go” position of a sprinter and is reportedly the reason for the name of the species.
Eight years ago I spotted my first Swift Setwing dragonfly ever at this same location. This primarily southern species had never before have been documented in Fairfax County, Virginia, the county where I live, so it is kind of special for me to see them each year. (You can see details of that first sighting in my 25 June 2016 posting Swift Setwing dragonfly.)
Swift Setwings like to perch facing the water on overhanging vegetation, so it is a challenge to get a shot of one without getting my feet wet. I had to find a little visual tunnel through the vegetation to get this shot, but I did manage to stay dry.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wonderful image of this unique posture!
Thanks. Over time I have gained a lot of experience in detecting differences in the way that different dragonfly species fly and perch, which helps me to identify them more rapidly. I have noted that many experienced birders are equally attentive to bird behavior and often can identify a species by its calls, something that I cannot do with my silent little friends. 🙂