This whitetail skimmer, or dragonfly, made an appearance in my garden about ten days ago. I was relaxing in the shade that afternoon when I suddenly noticed something moving and squirming clear across the yard. With camera in hand I slowly approached the spot of movement. Imagine my surprise when I caught sight of this magnificent dragonfly.
After a few minutes, the dragonfly took off and flew over to where the alstroemeria are blooming.
I had just taken a few more pictures when without warning it took wing, and landed on a skinny, bare branch up in the camellia bush. Gripping tightly to the bare stick, it stayed perched moving only its head and eyes as if it didn’t want to tip off the insects it was praying on.
Every so often, it would fly up into the air, snatch a tiny bug, then return and land gracefully back on the branch.
Dragonflies are such fascinating creatures!
Are you going to explore in nature this weekend?
Happy Friday!
Sabine
in cahoots with muddy boots 
These are stunning photos!
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Thanks Christine! 🙋
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Oh my goodness, the dragonfly and your photography are incredible. I love his face, and the pattern on the wings.
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Thank you Ali! It’s been fun exploring the garden and its visitors this summer! I was glad she sat still long enough for me to get a good look at the details!
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Love your photos Sabine. Good thing you were able to capture it up close.
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Same here Arlene! They are so quick and unpredictable which makes it challenging at moments. But patience often pays off! Thanks for always reading and commenting Arlene! 😊
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No problem Sabine, I love reading your posts.
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😊
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Magnificent creatures and your captures, amazing, too. Over the last few days, it’s been a butterfly visitation in my yard. So nice to watch their graceful flight. Have a great weekend, Sabine, and stay cool!
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We’ve had butterflies here as well! Lots of swallowtails! We’ve had a lot more creatures coming through this year then in previous summers. Enjoy your weekend too Missy! 🙋
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By the way, do you use a telephoto lense, or do you manage to creep ever so silently? 😊
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Both! I’ve gotten really good at getting close. I hold the camera in front of my face and that seems to make me look not human! For some of the photos I used my macro lens. You have to get fairly close but the clarity makes going really slowly so worth it!
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Those are INCREDIBLE photos!!!! It’s like they blend in with the branch and sneak up on their prey. I just got up again. Rough night but looking outside is just heavenly. The butterflies are everywhere like never before. Resting in my butterfly bush and flying everywhere. Did see more dragonflies then ever this year but not fast enough to photograph like you have. You really are good at that.
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Thank you Marlene! The dragonflies (mostly the red one from the first post) are hanging out every day now. I’m finding myself getting distracted every time I’m near the window! 😂 Always “somebody” calling out to me!
I’m glad I’m quick on my feet (German lead foot I think) to dash out and around the yard. I hope to see your garden again too! You’ve created such a beautiful oasis!
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Yes!… and great dragon shots! 🙂
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Thanks and have fun!
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