Our old late-summer dragonfly friend(s) made an appearence around September 9th (almost exactly 30 days after their normal time). But, only one was present! I’ve attempted to identify the creature using the BugGuide. The closest match appears to be Common Baskettail (Epitheca cynosura). I wasn’t able to get a photo because by that time, darkness had started to come much earlier and there wasn’t sufficient light. If the dragonfly had come during their usual visiting time (early August/lughnasadh), s/he would have been swooping about in the slanting rays of the evening sun which tended to make them look goldish in color.
These dragonflies are an annual blessing, a visitation from a band of “flying aces” whose exuberant arcs weave the air around the house with a feeling of wonder and happy grace. Even though there was but one this year, it’s spirits seemed as high as ever. It was a marvel to watch it fly and to feel gratified by its obvious joy in living.
The distant mountains
are reflected in the eye
of the dragonfly
-Issa
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