While dallying at the water's edge, several of them flew up to me and checked me out, up and down, side to side, before continuing on their hunt for a tasty treat. Just shy of 2" long, they seemed bigger in mid flight. Red Saddlebags are of the family of skimmers, and are very beneficial, as they feed on mosquitos and small flies. Skimmers are noted to be the most common and the most colorful of the dragonfly family. Greg Lasley, a nature photographer, has some exquisite photos of Red Saddlebags.
I had to lean way out over the water to grab this shot of the Desert Firetail (Telebasis salva). I had never seen such a fiery red damselfly before and couldn't resist almost falling into the water for this shot. I wish I could have gotten closer. I was surprised to read that they frequent only 3 states -Texas, Arizona, and California. I guess I'm a lucky girl to have spotted them at the pond.
And I was excited to find a different meadowhawk than those that frequent my wet meadow up in Cape Breton.
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| Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum ) |
The other damselflies and spreadwings that I observed at the pond were almost impossible for me to identify through the photos I took. They were everywhere! They literally carpeted the surface of the water. Usually I am quite satisfied with my little camera, but this day I wished I had a better outfit!
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| I saved this little guy from drowning. He sat in the sun on my knee for about 5 minutes before he flew away. |
I guess you get the idea!
11 comments:
what wonderful photos, Karen! I don't see how you get such good photos of dragonflies. They never hold still for me! You are an artist.
Welcome to Texas!
-kay
Your insect friends look like our bugs of summer! It's nice to be reminded. It's snowing here today.
What an enjoyable visit! Not just yours in TX but my visit here. What cheerful little critters they are! Useful too.
Oh , wow Karen....These are so beautiful!! The Saddlebag is so elegant with some brown on his wings and is so graceful.. I love how you composed him...Meadowhalk is a little beauty...You are so lucky to see the Saddlebag..must of been very exciting indeed! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed very much...cheers, Linda
Great photos! I was excited to see your photo of the Desert Firetail as I think I saw one, such a beauty, on a pond when we were in California. First time I had ever seen anything that bright red before. Lovely going to different areas to see what you can find isn't it? Have a great Thanksgiving.
Awesome pictures! I don't know how you do it. They are so colorful up close. I especially liked the markings of the blue one on your knee. Nola
Very nice, Karen! Don't you love it when the critters cooperate?
PS glad you didn't fall into the water!
Karen: Beautiful captures of the neat insects.
These are some pretty good pictures for your 'little camera." I really like the way you toss in some educational tidbits.
Wow...what a bounty....lucky little bluet..I think it's some kind of bluet to have a helper...I didn't get out as much this summer to look for these guys..but I would never see a selection like this....
A great tour of an area that I've not seen. I also had a look at your little Blue Heron. I'll be posting some photos of a great Blue after 1. PM EST to day take a look if you wish. Boom & Gary of The Vermilon River.
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