The end of the season is drawing near for many of the common dragonflies in my area. A month from now, some species will be gone entirely, with only a few hardy stragglers hanging on for a bit longer. Children return to school this coming week, which seems outrageously early to me—when I was growing up, school did not begin until after Labor Day.
I am starting to pay greater attention to the dragonflies that I encounter, never knowing for sure if I will see them again this season. Summer is not over yet, of course, but there are already signs that the seasons are changing.
I spotted this male Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Many of the dragonflies that I see are showing signs of wear, with tattered wings increasing common, but this individual was beautifully intact.
I suspect that dragonflies live in the moment, focused solely on the present for as long as they live. I recently read an article that noted how much of life many people miss, because they are focused too much on the future, which, of course, is never guaranteed. Yes, it is good to plan for the future, but be sure to enjoy your present life too.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Very lovely.
Thanks.