The trail that runs along the edge of the swamp at Magnolia Plantation often offers some interesting peeks at the little creatures.
I tried to see him from the other side of the leaf, but he had moved along.
Another shot with the 100mm macro lens.
The grasshopper had places to go.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
September 16, 2022
Yesterday afternoon we had a multiple dragonfly visitors in our backyard, after seeing very few all summer.
I’m pretty sure this is a Blue Dasher, even though it was quite small, about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) long.
This individual tried out several of the dried stems in my patio pots.
Blue Dasher
September 14, 2022
A Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly took a turn at these white blooms, part of a wild-ish garden plot at Strawberry Chapel.
A brick wall behind the flowers made interesting patterns.
This insect was looking a bit worn, with part of one of his tails missing. It didn’t seem to affect his flight at all.
September 10, 2022
Strawberry Chapel
Cordesville, South Carolina
This image has been hanging out with an unfinished post for a year and I’m cleaning house today. The green background and the stick perch appeal to me.
While watching the Roseate Skimmer featured in yesterday’s post I noticed a bloom in one of my pots that was nearly the same color as the dragonfly.
Sometimes if you wait long enough an insect will land where you would like to take its picture.
I don’t know the plant, it is a volunteer from one I had a few years ago. It doesn’t look exactly the same, but that fluffy magenta is familiar.
September 3, 2022
We haven’t had many dragonfly visitors in our back yard this summer. Conditions have been wetter and hotter, with no overnight cooldowns. I have no idea if this plays a part or if there are other forces in play.
Today I was quite pleased to spot this Roseate Skimmer perching on a dried hibiscus stem on the patio.
I was even more pleased that he was still there after I went in for my camera.
He stayed around for quite awhile, with the classic dragonfly behavior of returning to the same perch, giving me plenty of viewing options.
September 3, 2022
A Praying Mantis perched on the edge of a Morning Glory bloom
A slightly different angle with the 100mm Macro lens.
August 8, 2022
Three dragonflies resting on three different vegetation choices at the edge of a pond.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
August 10, 2022
I tried to wait him out for a full body shot, but a swarm of mosquitoes moved me on while the Black Swallowtail remained content inside the giant hibiscus bloom.
This metal stake is the remnant of a fence at Magnolia Cemetery. In full sun with the temperature close to 90 F (32 C) the dragonfly kept coming back to it.
Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
August 7, 2022
