I tracked this Black Saddlebags dragonfly (Tramea lacerata) in the air for quite some time on 2 June at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge until it finally landed and I was able to capture this shot of it perching in the vegetation.
Black Saddlebags are among the few North American dragonfly species that undertake migrations. Specifically, the offspring of the Black Saddlebag dragonflies migrate south in the fall, while some return north in the spring to breed. It’s impossible for me to know if the dragonfly in this photo started its journey somewhere to the south, but that is certainly a possibility.
One thing I do know for sure is that Black Saddlebags spend a lot of their time in the air, patrolling back and forth over an area. Most of the time when I spot them, they are flying, so it was nice to have a chance to capture a shot of one on the ground.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Question? If I send you a photo of a dragonfly can you help me I dentist it or direct me where I might be able to identify it? I think it is 8 spotted skimmer. Thanks, Molly Lin
Molly, You can send me a photo at mqpowe@bellatlantic.net and I’ll see if I can identify it for you. Cheers, Mike
So neat to think these little guys migrate, Mike! Great capture!
nice 👍