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...
juvenile common whitetail
click on any of my images to enlarge,
please ask if you would like a copy
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!
That is quite the critter! I have never seen anything like that before!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very pretty dragon....fly! Glad he didn't get you! :)
ReplyDeleteHE's awesome looking!
ReplyDeletethat's a beautiful dragonfly!
ReplyDeleteAi @ Sakura Haruka
I've found many a dragonfly outside my backdoor and other places too. They are indeed beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. Big hugs. ☺
We found one inside our home of all places considering I've never even seen one before in all the years we have been here. I managed to shoo it out the window to the blue yonder.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity! So unique looking.
ReplyDeleteNice zebra striped wings.
ReplyDeleteThose bugs are so pretty! I love watching them fly. My parents had many when my Dad had a pond in his yard.
ReplyDeleteNever seen such a beautiful dragonfly!! :)
ReplyDeleteDragonflies are common around water in natural areas I think, but I don't think I've ever seen one in the city. And I don't think I've ever seen one like yours. They are neat creatures.
ReplyDeleteWe rarely have dragon flies in our yard, and we absolutely have never seen one like that. Mom says she hasn't either. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a dragonfly quite like that! Very unique!
ReplyDeleteHappy WW, Faythe!
So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI agree it is beautiful, I have never seen one so close up and in detail before ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave a dragontastic week ;-)
What a lovely dragonfly - you were lucky to catch it!
ReplyDeleteI have seen dragon flies but that one is quite huge!
ReplyDeletethat's a beautiful dragonfly!
ReplyDeleteI see first time
My entry is here.
I have never seen a dragon fly up that close before. Totally cool mama's. How did you ever happen to get a photo like that soooooooooo up close. Weird! Check your mail honey I need to ask you something ;)
ReplyDeleteHe is magnificent! How patient of him to wait for you to get your camera. Dragonflies always flutter away before I can digitally capture them.
ReplyDelete♥ aquariann
Featured Photo: Delaware State Fair Dance Mob
never seen that color of dragonfly before, beautiful
ReplyDeleteAs long as it doesn't sting you.
ReplyDeletehttp://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2013/07/wordless-wednesday-fine-print.html
What a pretty dragon fly.
ReplyDeleteYikes, I'm glad we don't get those in the UK BOL xx00xx
ReplyDeleteMollie and Alfie
For a fleeting moment I thought that one of my resident Dragons had escaped but no, it is a Dragonfly and a very handsome one I might add :)
ReplyDeleteI have not seen one like this either and your research has paid off in the sense that we have all learnt something useful :)
Hey Faythe you're a nifty photographer my dear friend :)
Andro xxxx