Two days ago I photographed this adult Blue Dasher dragonfly near the gravel road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. I’m happy to see the dragonflies back.
Adult Blue Dasher dragonfly male at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/4000, ISO 1600, -0.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
This Blue Dasher dragonfly was just one of the many dragonflies I saw near the refuge auto tour entrance. Most of them were Blue Dashers, both males and females.
I enjoy seeing and photographing dragonflies. They are, after all, other things with wings. During the coldest months of the year, I miss dragonflies.
It sure is nice to have them back, especially because I know they put a serious dent in the mosquitoes at the refuge and other locations. Mosquitoes love to bite me, I’m a mosquito magnet.
Dragonflies are mosquito-eating winged things, and that makes them extra welcome in my book!
I want them to put a large dent in the deer fly population at the refuge too. Even though I haven’t been bitten by the deer flies here, I don’t like it when they get near me because of how seriously I reacted to them when I lived in Utah.
Having dragonflies around in our yards and gardens isn’t just about the splash of color and smooth moves they bring. They’re also doing the heavy lifting by keeping the local ecosystem healthy.
They help cut down on chemical pesticides, protect pollinators, and keep things balanced out there, making them real MVPs for both the garden and the neighborhood.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Blue Dasher dragonfly photos plus facts and information about this species
He is a dashing shade of blue. I am also a squito magnet to the extent that my partner doesn’t need insect spray if I am outside with him. And the bites bring me up in welts. As do those of rather a lot of other bitey critters.
Glad to know about these critters!