There were a fair number of dragonflies about when we went to Orlando Wetlands in April, but no closeups as they were over the water or in alligator occupied grasses.
A good supply of gnats over the Coots’ heads kept a few dragonflies busy.
A wider view of the Coots, with palm tree reflections in the pond.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
I’ve been seeing dragonflies around for a couple of weeks.
Today was the first time I saw one perched long enough to photograph.
And on a just budding tree above my head no less!
Going back to a warm October day when a number of dragonflies were flying over the pond and occasionally stopping for rest.
A few even landed on a tree at a height I could capture.
This pair entertained me as one or both repositioned just as I thought I had the shot. I thought it was interesting that they would land so close together.
Ravenswood Pond, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 12, 2021
I walked a new to me trail that I thought was all woodland, but found it passed through a small field.
There were a number of insects around the edge.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 17, 2021
These images are from a September walk when a little breeze interfered with this being the best lens for the day.
An immature or female Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly perched at the base of a giant Live Oak tree.
I have no idea what either of these flowers are but they had attractive textures, the first with a few petals.
And the second one gone-by, but still interesting.
September 14, 2021
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
I borrowed Ted’s Tamron 18-400 MM lens this morning and put the range flexibility to good use when I spotted an Eastern Pondhawk on a Lily Pad.
I got a decent closer image of the dragonfly and his shadow.
And a nice view of the scene without changing lenses or cameras.
A small dragonfly working on his hand-stand pose on a hot day.
September 6, 2021
Who could resist three dragonflies lined up in a row?
So these are just a duo as the third fellow took off for a minute.
One of the others gathered some snacks…
Showed off some flight skills…
Then returned to his perch.
These were all taken at 1/1000 sec with the Tamron 180mm prime macro lens.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 5, 2021
Who could resist three dragonflies lined up in a row?
Some more experimenting with distance and f-stops. A bunch of reeds kept me from the best placement to have all three dragonflies equidistant from me, and we were at the edge of a pond so I had to stay on this side.
And them some distraction with choosing different perches.
And with the dragonfly on the right adjusting his position.
There was also a little breeze, good for keeping bugs off me, not so good for my experiment as the reeds swayed.
These were all taken at 1/1000 sec with the Tamron 180mm prime macro lens.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 5, 2021
