Resting female Slaty Skimmer dragonfly at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, beanbag, f9, 1/500, ISO 800, -1.7 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500m, natural light
As I drove the auto tour route at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge yesterday, I was delighted to find a resting female Slaty Skimmer dragonfly in nice light.
When I got close to the dragonfly, she was perched on a vine at the edge of the dusty gravel road. With no one coming down the road from either direction, I was able to take my time photographing her.
The males of this skimmer species have dark blue bodies, blackish heads, and dark eyes. As you can see, the females are quite different and beautiful.
Slaty Skimmer dragonfly female perched on a vine in Oklahoma – Canon R7, beanbag, f8, 1/1000, ISO 800, -1.7 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500m, natural light
I haven’t seen any male Slaty Skimmers at the refuge yet but to be fair I haven’t spent much time where I can see them lighting on vegetation near the water.
That is partly due to the fact that the invasive Johnson Grass is already taller than my Jeep in some spots, and I can’t get a clear view. It’s still spring. I can’t imagine what the refuge will be like in the middle of summer because of that grass.
I’m glad this female Slaty Skimmer dragonfly gave me great views of her out in the open yesterday.
Life is good.
Mia
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