Damselfly on Ivy

photograph of a damselfly on a leave

This damselfly was patrolling a small, sunny patch of ivy when I encountered it in late August, near Richmond, VA.  It seems like a common species but I haven’t been able to identify it.

Black Dragonfly on Fig Tree

macro photograph of a black dragonflyAnother dragonfly found in my yard.  They really seem to like using this fig tree as a resting place while they hunt.  Apparently dragonflies are territorial.  As I watched them I noticed they would frequently chase each other off and there would rarely be more than one on the tree at a time.

Dragonfly Profile

macro photograph of a dragonfly profileHere’s another dragonfly photographed in my backyard.  This dragonfly seemed to rest with its wings pointing slightly forward.  Dragonflies prey on mosquitos and anything that reduces the mosquito population is a friend of mine.  Maybe its because we have so many mosquitos in the summer that so many dragonflies stake claim to our yard.

Smiling Dragonfly

photo of a dragonfly perched on a branchI spent some time one summer day watching and photographing the dragonflies that buzz around my backyard.  This individual almost seemed to pose for me.  In this shot it looks like the dragonfly is smiling for the camera.