I love dragonflies. There is something almost magical about these incredible aerial acrobats that never fails to fascinate and enchant me.
When I was attempting to compose a photo of this Great Blue Skimmer dragonfly (Libellula vibrans) last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I tried to use a leaf in the background to draw attention to my primary subject. It was only later, when I was review my images, that I realize that the leaf was heart-shaped, a perfect visual representation of my feelings towards dragonflies.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
This is an enchanting photo along with the equally short but sweet commentary! I failed on yesterday’s post to be short and I leave the being sweet up to your judgement. Today’s post brings to mind a book that I purchased several years ago for Benjamin and myself when he became fond of dragonflies. Cindy Crosby’s “Chasing Dragonflies : A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History”. I share our two favorite quote from the book : “Dragonflies are an endless pleasure” and “I’m inspired by how dragonflies are both tough and fragile; fierce and mild.” Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Thanks again for your kind and thoughtful words, Ellen. Some days I don’t have a lot to say, so I end up being short and hopefully sweet. As you noted, of course, the reader is the one who gets to decide if the posting is “sweet.” I am intrigued by the title of the book that you mentioned (and added it to my list of possible Amazon purchases). I can’t help but agree with the two quotes from the book that you included. Most of the time I focus on the beauty of the dragonflies, but occasionally I will post a photo of a dragonfly munching on a damselfly or another dragonfly, a testament to the dragonfly’s deadly hunting skills.
Mesmerizing little creatures
I “heart” dragons! What could be more apt?
Nice post, Mike.
Thanks, Wally. I think you already knew that I love to photograph dragonflies (and damselflies too). 🙂
Great colors, lavender and blue.