I’m a bird photographer who sometimes can’t resist photographing other things with wings which includes this male Blue Dasher dragonfly I saw yesterday morning. Steve Creek and I went to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and had loads of fun with dragonflies and other subjects.

Male Blue Dasher dragonfly at Sequoyah NWR, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaMale Blue Dasher dragonfly at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Canon 100-500mm at 400mm, natural light

I was using Steve’s Canon R7 with his Canon RF 100-500mm lens to take photos and videos yesterday. My thanks go out to Steve for allowing me to use his gear and for the refresher course on using Canon equipment.

This male Blue Dasher dragonfly was right next to the road, making it easy for me to photograph him. He is perched on a refuge marker in this photo. I’m grateful that Steve pointed out this dragonfly to me.

Since the male Blue Dasher kept flying back to the same perch repeatedly, I decided to video him. I recorded him leaving the perch, returning to it, and munching on whatever he had caught.

I really liked the look the dragonfly gave at the very end of this video.

By using Steve’s gear, I was able to record this video with sound, and I love that!

Male Blue Dasher dragonfly at Sequoyah NWR - With inset showing a mite on the tail, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaMale Blue Dasher dragonfly at Sequoyah NWR – With inset showing a mite on the tail – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Canon 100-500mm at 400mm, natural light

Did you know that there are bugs that bug other bugs? Some insects are bothered by mites which are technically arachnids and are related to spiders and scorpions.

When I was reviewing my images of this male Blue Dasher I noticed in one frame that there was a mite at the end of his tail. That is why I picked this image to share today and used an inset to show the mite.

Other things with wings like this dragonfly make me happy.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my insect and spider photos.