Free Range Photography

Just a few years ago the only dragonfly I could identify was the locally ubiquitous and aptly named Flame Skimmer, the bright orange dragon seen buzzing over the river all summer, often tangling with others of its kind, and one of the few dragons that would reliably sit still for a photo.

Then I began to notice a brilliant turquoise blue dragonfly, not as common, but reliably visible over the South Fork of the Eel in the summer months. This creature seemed as curious about me as I was about it, and I noticed this species had the habit of hovering a couple yards in front of me, seemingly staring me down with its five eyes comprised of thousands of lenses.

If I moved slowly enough I could raise my comparatively cumbersome single camera lens and snap a couple pics before the insect coyly disappeared in a flash, only to return again for another flirtation with photographic capture.

With the help of friend, biologist, and expert in all things odonata (the order of insects that includes dragonflies and damselfies) Sandra Hunt Von Arb, I learned this dragon’s ID as the Blue-eyed Darner. Maybe second most common dragon I see along this stretch of the South Fork I have learned over the years that with a bit of patience and an attitude of pretending not to care, these small but fierce slivers of brilliant blue will allow their photo to be taken almost cooperatively.

For an outstanding reference that won’t bowl you over with scientific terminology but won’t talk down to you either, check out Sandra’s new book, a collaboration with Kathy Biggs, “Dragonflies of California” reviewed here: https://ucanr.edu/blogs/bugsquad/index.cfm?tagname=Sandra%20von%20Arb