Despite the continuing heat, the recent “cool” front did knock us down to normal summer temperatures, a plummet of ten degrees or more that feels like a sign of seasonal change even though it’s still fracking hot. But at least now it’s normal summer hot rather than “Oh my gawd! I’m in hell and I’m dying!” hot.
Short-lived though it might end up being, the sudden change in the weather brought with it a feeling of autumnal inevitability, a hint of what’s to come.
One autumnal constant is the abundance of odonates (damselflies and dragonflies). So in honor of this most welcome “cool” spell, I thought it would be nice to celebrate with some odes to autumn. Or, rather, some odes of autumn.
Eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis); male
Eastern amberwing (Perithemis tenera); male
Neon skimmer (Libellula croceipennis); male
Common whitetail (Plathemis lydia); female
Common whitetail (Plathemis lydia); male
Common whitetail (Plathemis lydia); juvenile male
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It’s amazing what a dramatic relief it is when the daily high temperatures drop ten degrees or more and land in the 95°-98° F/35°-37° C range. Heck, our overnight lows never fell to within three degrees of 80° F/27° C, so even early mornings felt like being in an oven. This summer has sucked with early and long-lived excessive heat. I never thought I’d say this, but right now our normal summer temperatures feel cool and comfortable.
Ode to joy – beautiful photos!
It seems we are both in the mood to welcome fall (fide my post earlier today).
Be well, my friend!
The heat has zapped my desire to be outside looking for things to write about. Today was the first day that I really felt like being outside in over a month. It was 58 degrees when we got up this morning. Glorious!
Hi Joy – I’ve questioned my sanity this summer – I’ve spent several very hot days outside in the merciless heat. So far, I’ve come home with an experience (and pictures) that have made the outing worth it, though that heat sure zaps the energy right out of you. Like Jason says, I welcome the cooler, “normal,” summer weather!
Why bother going to the museum to draw pinned dragonflies when you have Jason’s stunning photographs to work from 🙂
Odonates are so numerous and varied – I can’t imagine that I will ever attempt more than cursory ID. Great pics and “cheat sheet” for learning some species!
I am so glad to see your photos and words back after your hiatus.
The colors in those first pictures are exceptional, so close to primary shades of blue and green as well as that red-orange color. They take on an almost graphical quality.