I found a dragon on my doorstep!

  On one of the nicer semi-sunny days last month I decided to take a walk in my yard. Imagine my surprise to find right outside my door waiting for me a dragon!

I hurriedly grabbed my camera hoping to capture a photograph or two before I got consumed!! Luckily I escaped without harm to myself nor the dragon.
I share my photographic evidence below, scroll down if you dare...

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juvenile common whitetail

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   Is he not magnificent!

He actually stuck around long enough for a few shots.

I have never seen a dragonfly like this before, yet sitting still enough to catch it in a photograph. The little research I was able to dig up makes me believe this to be a Plathemis lydia or common Whitetail skimmer. The reason I think it is a juvenile male is that it has the black spots on the wings normally found on a male, and a youngster as it has not yet hardened into its normally white abdomen. A female has a brownish body with no markings found its hard body, plus different wing markings. 

If some dragon master knows more please leave it in a reply, I'd love to know more.

Here is a few more ...

young male common whitetail skimmer

Face forward! Now you can stare into his huge eyes. 

dragonfly from straight above

After I left to leave him alone to bask in the sunshine he must of grown strong enough to fly away, as he was gone when I returned.

I have pursued dragonflies around my yard for several years and never have been able to "catch" one. I was happy to enjoy this one for the short time we shared.

Have you ever found a dragon outside your door?

Until next time,

I await your comments, 

please link up your posts this week for others to come visit, too!