I drove up north into Box Elder County yesterday to look for birds to photograph and I found some but I also found other things with wings including a gorgeous male Flame Skimmer dragonfly.
Male Flame Skimmer Dragonfly in northern Utah – Nikon D500, f8, 1/320, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had been looking for a female Lazuli Bunting in a stand of small trees next to a gravel road, I’d had my lens on the bird but she disappeared into the center of the tree. I caught a flash of orange that drew my eye and watched as this male Flame Skimmer (Libellula saturata) dragonfly landed on a branch not far from where I had parked my Jeep.
I took a series of photos of the dragonfly and noticed the bright red fruit in the background, I am not sure what the red fruit was because from my focus was on the dragonfly but I thought the red might be distracting so I turned my Jeep on and crept forward until I had another clear view of the dragonfly.
Back view of Flame Skimmer Dragonfly male – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When I stopped my Jeep I had a nice view of the back of the Flame Skimmer’s orange abdomen and its wings. Flame Skimmers are native to western North America, they are also called Firecracker Skimmers.
I’m glad I didn’t ignore the opportunity to photograph this male Flame Skimmer, he really is a beautiful specimen.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my insect and spider images.
The red fruits are the fruits of Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica).
Hi Sweetie! I so love you sharing the Skimmer! It is like one I took a few years back! But is Beautiful1 love mom
Super impressed at your eyesight. I doubt I would have seen that tiny flash of colour.
And spectacular photos of the beauty too.
I didn’t know dragonflies could be so beautiful. These images are rich with intricate detail and the colors are stunning. Great pic Mia…thanks.
He’s a beaut! Sexual dimorphism always fascinates me.
Lovely photos. Be nice if you’d explain how you identify gender on your photos. A learning experience I’d like, and I’d think others would as well.
Females of this species are usually a medium or darker brown with some thin, yellow markings.
Like hummingbirds, dragonflies and damsels are like flying jewels…this one is a beauty…wonderful photos!!!
Like hummingbirds, dragonflies and damsels are like flying jewels…this one is a beauty…wonderful photos!!! And
Beautiful photos,. Mia
Beautiful dragonfly. I’ve never seen one before.
Seeing your images of the dragonflies reminds me that I want to get to know the dragonflies around here. Always enjoy watching them around water. The children don’t know whether to be afraid at first or in awe. Awe is good! Thanks for sharing.
Indeed he is beautiful! That is one I’ve never seen! Fantastic capture!