When I first saw this flying object in the back yard, I thought it was a hummingbird, a red-headed hummingbird. It alit on a plant on the porch and I noticed the four wings and realized it was a dragonfly. I went out to get a closer look. I approached slowly. It flew away a couple of times, but I stood still and it came back. I was able to get pretty close.
At the bookstore we have some bookmarks that have dragonfly charms attached. I’ve seen dragonfly jewelry: beautiful, iridescent-winged, ethereal creatures.
My brave dragonfly, below looks like a fat, juicy, winged grasshopper.
Hummingbird-sized Dragonfly
Photo
He was a friendly cus though, even turning his head and smiling at me before flying away for good.
Dragonfly Mugging for the Camera
Photo
Wow. This was quite an interesting visitor. And I agree, he liked being before a camera. Great photos.
What got me was that he turned his head! I never thought of a dragonfly having an articulating neck. Thanks, Claudia.
I used to try to catch them with my butterfly net as they flew around the creek. Never had any luck…what a treat to get so close! (K)
The smaller, iridescent dragonflies are fast and nimble, probably like the kind you tried to catch. The one I saw yesterday was gigantic. It didn’t look like it could move that quickly, but I approached cautiously and very slowly, halting my progress frequently. S/he seemed interested in me as well and even turned her/his head a couple of times (which was pretty creepy). I wonder if it was a dragonfly at all. It had the body of a grasshopper.
There is so much we don’t know about insects. Magic, whatever it was.
I looked it up, and I think it’s an Erythraea Crocothemis. Very cool! Thanks, K!
Great name!
;>)