Patrolling the Frog Pond

   As I was out cutting grass near the Frog Pond, I became aware of the dozens and dozens (if not more) of dragonflies buzzing about my head.  The critters seemed to be everywhere!  I love these things!  The dragonflies were busy darting about the place as they were patrolling the pond and garden.  Here, they were obviously finding plenty to eat with the myriad of mosquitoes, deer flies and other pesky things that would be after my blood as I worked.  I fully appreciate their efforts to keep the area at least somewhat free of the little bloodsuckers.  

  While most of the dragonflies were either green or blue, one in particular caught my eye.  A most beautiful, bright red one would occasionally rest on a dead twig of the satsuma tree.  This critter appeared to be a Red Saddlebags Dragonfly due to the bright red patches on its wings that supposedly resemble saddlebags commonly used on pack animals (mules and horses).  This dragonfly belongs to the skimmer family and is highly territorial which may account for its high perch and its constant darting even against the other dragonflies.  It would pick a target, take flight and then be back on its perch in a matter of seconds.

  Speaking of taking flight, dragonflies are masters!  Their wings can move in different directions allowing to critter to be able to fly up, down, right, left, forward and backwards.  I believe they are the only critter other than hummingbirds that have this ability.  One odd thing that confounds me is that, while a hummingbird's wings beat at around 70 times per second, a dragonfly's wingbeat is less than half that at approximately 30 times per second.  I would have imagined the wingbeats to be near the same to achieve the agility both have.

  The sighting of Captain Saddlebags made me realize that there was nothing to do but stop mowing for a bit and watch the show of him patrolling his territory.  Yes, this is a male as he is bright red whereas a female's colors would be a bit more subdued (almost a rusty color).  I marveled at his agility and persistence.  I sat in awe at his endurance and dominance.  I fully appreciated his appetite for the biting critters that soon brought my stillness to an abrupt halt.  Those deerflies made their presence known so it was time for me to get back to work and not be a still target for their bites.  Carry on, Captain Saddlebags!  Keep the Frog Pond area free of the biting pests.

Cool Critters!

   While wildlife abounds here on the Bayou, I have to admit that lately I have been smitten with the dragonflies.  Perhaps this is due to the swarms of mosquitoes this summer and the dragonflies fancy for them but I find myself back by the little Frog Pond or next to Puddle Pond more than I should be.  I am mesmerized by the dragonflies!  It seems that there is something magical about these creatures.  They appear to be delicate and fragile but are some of the most fierce hunters (for their size).  They can out maneuver any other flying creature and, in a single snap, have their prey.  They hunt while on the wing then rest on a twig as they await their next prey to enter.  Fascinating!

Cool facts!

 ...Dragonflies have four wings that they can control separately.

...Dragonflies can fly sideways and backwards.

...Dragonflies' heads are basically all eyes.

...Dragonfly larvae can live up to two years underwater.

...Dragonflies can eat up to a hundred mosquitoes during a single day.

...Dragonflies actually catch their prey with their feet.