Variegated Meadowhawk on a rusty wireVariegated Meadowhawk on a rusty wire – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light

While I photographed the juvenile Red-tailed Hawk whose photos I shared yesterday I also photographed a few other “things with wings” but without feathers. I love dragonflies and whenever I can take images of them I do. This Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum) looked like it had lilac colored eyes in the field but when I got home I think they just looked kind of purpley in contrast to the rusty cable the meadowhawk was perched on.

Eight-spotted Skimmer on a rusty wire, Box Elder County, UtahEight-spotted Skimmer on a rusty wire – Nikon D500, f8, 1/500, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

And there were also tons of Eight-spotted Skimmers (Libellula forensis) flying around. There are freshwater springs in the area with plenty of mosquitoes and that seemed to attract the dragonflies. If they want to eat all of the mosquitoes around I sure won’t stand in their way, I will applaud them!

I enjoyed photographing the Eight-spotted Skimmer and Variegated Meadowhawk in between taking photos of the cooperative yet clumsy Red-tailed Hawk juvenile.

Life is good.

Mia

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