I have only one picture for you today, but it's an important one for me. This one was very difficult to get. I actually had about five of these but they are virtually identical so it would be redundant to show you the others.This black and blue dragonfly is a very large one. It's fat and almost as long as my small finger, which is long. These dragonflies have been flying around the meadow areas of the nature park for awhile now. They loudly buzz past my head whenever I'm there. I try to get pictures but they very rarely stop long enough to try.
I have gotten a few very bad shots of them in the air as they slowed to look back at me. I don't think you'd like the pain those would give your eyes, so this one is what you get. The most frustrating part of chasing these particular dragonflies is that there are literally dozens of them whenever I see them. They are harder to chase down than any bird.
I just happened to get lucky while walking into the park and this one landed right in front of me. It seemed to be inviting me to take its picture. Isn't that how it always works? I took as many pictures as I could, and it didn't move at all. Then as I was taking my fifth one, it flew into the air and I got nothing else.
There you go. Only one picture. A short story. But a very big accomplishment.
Nice shot and what luck to have him stop and pose for you
ReplyDeleteI hoped the dragonfly was distinctive enough to ID but after rummaging around the web a bit I came up blank. Closest I came was - Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa).
ReplyDeleteWow.. it's a cute chubby unusual dragonfly.. =D I actually thought it was a moth cuz of its colors and size.
ReplyDeleteAnd yep, it's really hard to capture dragonflies.. but that makes them more interesting too. =D
Beautiful capture of the dragonfly..I like the contrast colors from the gravel and the dragonfly!
ReplyDeleteNice capture!
ReplyDeleteI liked your red dragonfly too..
thanks for sharing!
Excellent picture. Does anyone known what kind of dragonfly it is?
ReplyDeleteGreat shot! I've tried to capture these as well. It is hard to get a good shot because you almost need just the right backdrop in order to appreciate the details in the wings.
ReplyDeleteIt looks fat and clumsy. I wonder it can fly, but it actually flies finally.
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness, he is BIG! what a great shot you got there ratty. i think dragonflies are so cool. when i'm on the river on my floatie i always have a few of them looking for a free ride.
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend my friend...xoxox
Ohh, and he's a beauty!! I've managed only one dragon fly photo so far all summer...can't catch up with them! So many shapes, sizes and colors, too, I'd love to learn more. I'll post my photo soon together with some other cool critters, but yours are always great with good stories to go with them!! Thanks, I really enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteoh, he's a beauty, it looked like a toy, so unusual, am not sure if i've seen a black and blue dragonfly.
ReplyDeleteNice shot. We have similar marked dragonflies where I frequently walk. I believe what you have there is a "Libellula lydia" or Common Whitetail.
ReplyDeleteCommon Whitetail Dragonfly is the name of this one. I checked a field guide and discovered the name of this mystery bug. Now we all know!
ReplyDeleteAnn - Yeah, it was extremely lucky, especially after the frustration I went through before.
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WiseAcre - Thanks for looking for it. I happened to get lucky and find it, so the mystery is solved!
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Harumi - Yeah, it's a big one fat one. :)
Chasing them is fun and frustrating at the same time.
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Icy BC - These dragonflies seem to like to land on that gravel.
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Sharodindu - Thanks, the red dragonfly is a beauty.
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Lizzie - Yup! I just found out it is a Common Whitetail Dragonfly.
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Lin - Yeah, they're very hard to get them just right. The wings are too transparent. The camera saw this one better than I did.
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Rainfield - It does look fat and clumsy, and scary when they're buzzing around my head.
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PJ - The funny thing about these dragonflies is that I see them mostly in the meadows, but the lake is very nearby.
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WillOaks Studio - I'm looking forward to seeing your critters. I know they'll be great!
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Betchai - Now that you say it, he does look like a toy. But I wouldn't want to play with that toy. :)
Canadian Mark - You are very correct! I was giving the same answer at the same time you were. It took me awhile to find the answer, and thank you very much for yours because it confirms that it's the right one.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's an interesting specimen.
ReplyDeletelook like Marcus from Underworld...whew!!
ReplyDeleteNice shot Ratty. Have chased my share of dragonflies I can verify how hard it is to get them to pose for photos.
ReplyDeleteHe is a big fellow and very pretty.
Dr. Lauren - I'll need to show more of these guys.
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Blog Queen - Yeah, he's an ugly one. :)
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SquirrelQueen - I'm glad this one was easy. All dragonflies are beautiful, but this kind seems big and clumsy to me.
I haven't seen a dragonfly with such thick wings before, and if you recall, I captured several on camera this spring..but that is one kind I never saw! Good find and thanks for your patience in finally getting your wished shot.
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