“We will recover our sense of wonder and our sense of the sacred only if we appreciate the universe beyond ourselves as a revelatory experience of that numinous presence whence all things come into being. Indeed, the universe is the primary sacred reality. We become sacred by our participation in this more sublime dimension of the world about us.”
Thomas Berry
Dragonflies hang around my ponds this time of the year. I really don’t know them that well but planning to change that. I do not have many images because they are such an elusive creature who needs patience to photograph. As I watched them over the weekend, I decided to set up my tripod and wait. I quickly began to sweat while standing in the 96 degree sun but I was determined. They skim and dart across the water with vigor at 22–34 mph.
The twelve-spotted skimmer, which I think this is, has twelve dark brown wing spots, three on each wing. Males have eight additional spots that are white. Dragonflies are predatory insects. The hunting behavior of adult dragonflies is called “hawking.” Their legs are held in a basket shape during flight, which is perfect for grasping mosquitoes and other small flying insects. Many Native American tribes consider dragonflies to be medicine animals that had special powers. For example, the southwestern tribes, including the Pueblo, Hopi, and Zuni, associated dragonflies with transformation. So today I watched and learned a lot about dragonflies. From now on I will look at them with different eyes, more respect and appreciation. I fell in love with this sacred creature, who I now know is my mosquito eating neighbor.
8 Comments
Faye
Fabulous shot! They are very quick and don’t linger long in one spot. Your sweaty effort paid off. Have a good Monday!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Faye! After spending time with them and then doing some research from those who have also done scientific research I have a new appreciation for them. I also have a lot of respect for their role in this beautiful creation we live in.
Mark
Anything that eats mosquitoes is alright by me for sure! I do like this photo – this angle communicates how fleeting this moment may be before the dragonfly flies off to the next perch. I don’t think I would be out chasing them in 96 deg personally.
I’ve learned the best time to seek them out is early in the morning when they are usually sleeping, especially if covered in an overnight dew. They wait some time in the same spot to dry out before flying, giving the photographer a chance for a few less frustrating shots. 🙂 Plus – cooler out in the mornings!
Monte Stevens
I can be known to be a bit insane with some photography escapades. I doubt anything like you! 😂 I did not know they were less active in the morning so I will check on that. This is the first image I’ve liked of a dragonfly, of my own.
Mark
Good reason – I particularly like the coloring in the background!
Monte Stevens
😁
Tom Dills
We’ve been enjoying some afternoon and early evening “air shows” as the dragonflies pursue their dinner. Fascinating! I haven’t tried to photograph them.
I seem to recall that some nature photographers will carry a spray bottle, and that the dragonflies can’t fly with their wings wet. Their wings make interesting subjects when wet. And once they dry out the creatures will return to flight without harm. Never tried it and can’t speak to the ethics of it, however.
Monte Stevens
My only objection to that is leaving them vulnerable to predators. They are food for many birds. Glad you getting a free airshow. They are so beautiful, nibble and fast.