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Posts Tagged ‘aging’

Aging dragonfly

Posted in Dragonflies, dragonfly, Insects, Nature, Photography, Summer, wildlife, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 22, 2024| 3 Comments »

This female Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) that I spotted on Monday at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge has definitely seen better days. Its wings are growing tattered and its color has darkened with age. Nonetheless, the dragonfly is carrying on and compensating as it grows older. In fact, the dragonfly seemed to be feeding on some kind of insect when I photographed it.

A few weeks ago I turned 70 and I have become increasingly conscious of the passing of time. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so I am trying to pay more attention to living my life in the moment, as perhaps this aging dragonfly is doing.

Slaty Skimmer

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved

 

 

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Still hanging on

Posted in Dragonflies, dragonfly, Insects, Nature, Photography, Summer, wildlife, tagged , , , , , , , on September 20, 2022| 6 Comments »

The season has ended for many dragonflies—many of the species that were present a month ago are now gone. From time to time, though, I will see a few strong survivors who are hanging on, like this female Needham’s Skimmer (Libellula needhami) that I spotted last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Though her wings are almost completely shredded, she still manage to fly, when necessary.

She somehow seemed to be content to turn to the light and enjoy the warmth of the sunlight, determined to enjoy life’s simple pleasures in her remaining days.

Needham's Skimmer

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.

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