Last Saturday I inadvertently spooked this Great Blue Skimmer dragonfly (Libellula vibrans) while exploring Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and it flew up into some high vegetation. I was not hopeful that I would be able to get a shot of it, but I decided to try to do so anyways. I’m quite pleased with the result.
I really like the way that the light was shining through the dragonfly’s slightly shredded wings and the shape and structure of the branch draw in a viewer’s eyes too. Overall it’s a fun “artsy” photo that makes me smile.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That great blue has certainly been beat up!!
So true, Molly. As the season moves on, I start to see more and more dragonflies and butterflies that are showing their age, but still managing to survive.
Wow! It looks like it’s challenging you 😎