Last week I was delighted to photograph a female Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly on a dew covered lotus leaf at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Adult female Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly on a dew covered lotus leaf – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/125, ISO 1600, +0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I always enjoy photographing dragonflies, no matter where I find them, when I don’t have a bird in my viewfinder.
Female Eastern Pondhawks are shaped like the males, but instead of being primarily blue, they are green and black. Some people might even think they’re a completely different species.
The morning I took this dragonfly image, the humidity hung in the air. I’d driven through dense fog on my way to the refuge. The fog caused the heavy dew, and I really like how that looked on the lotus leaf.
While the female Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly doesn’t stand out sharply against the lotus leaf, I really appreciate how subtle the entire photo is. I enjoy it.
I’ve always found “other things with wings” to be fascinating, amazing subjects.
With cooling temps, I am reminded that fall will soon make its arrival, and with that, many of the insects I enjoy photographing will slowly disappear. I hope to make the most of the opportunities I have with them while they are still here.
Even two days ago, the cool morning temps seemed to already slow down the insect activity. I may have to stay longer in the field to see the insects I want in my viewfinder.
Of course, there are some insects I will be happy to say goodbye to, including ticks, chiggers, deer flies, and horseflies, to name just a few! Those bloodsuckers can hit the road.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my insect and spider photos.
The detail you captured is astounding! I can practically count every dewdrop [which would take 20 years] and still see every vein in the dragonfly’s wings. Mia, I’ve been following your posts for years and you always find new ways to amaze me. Thanks.
Lovely gentle image; thank you.
I’m still amazed by all the different kinds of dragonflies there are. Their colors always amaze me! Thinking of our times ‘splorin the botanical gardens.
Patty, Ive been thinking a lot lately about our time ‘sploring together, miss you very much!