The One that Got Away

This has been dragonfly week at Halibut Point, a welcome replacement in the Department of Aerial Dazzle since the spring bird migrants have either moved on or disappeared within the leaf canopy. It's time to dust off the laminated Guide edited by local naturalist  Chris Leahy during his tenure at Mass Audubon. Off we go to look for old acquaintances darting over fields and ponds, with the hope of a new discovery or two.

The overlording creature on the Guide cover earned his prominence not only from brash coloration and a chesty profile but from his masterly patrols over wetlands.

Common Green Darner

And sure enough, recently the Green Darners have resumed their station at the pond by the old quarry power plant.

An unexpected rival appears

Suddenly a robust  presence I didn't recognize entered the Darner's presumptive realm.

Black Saddlebags dragonfly

Its broad wings, chunky fuselage, and dark cloak all projected dominance. Chris identified it from the photograph. The Black Saddlebags dragonfly isn't portrayed in the pocket guide because it's generally a migrant species through this area, which is probably a good thing for Darners.

Eastern Forktail

On a more delicate scale it was nice to be able to compose this portrait of an Eastern Forktail damselfly.

Violet Dancer and Eastern Forktail

I appreciated its array of colors beside a Violet Dancer.

Ebony Jewelwing, central on the Guide cover

For the briefest moment a butterfly-like Ebony Jewelwing fluttered by. It posed on a twig in a shaft of sunlight and disappeared while I fumbled with my camera. Normally it lives along flowing streams and I may never see one again on Halibut Point. But ah, the glimpse is indelible.

Lancet Clubtail dragonfly

As partial compensation this Lancet Clubtail appeared, a novelty for me on the Halibut Point rambles.