Found in a marshy area at the Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve near Dubuque, Iowa
Also known as the Blue Dasher or Blue Pirat, this dragonfly stands out in the green grass or between the reeds of a marsh. Its wings are quite damaged and I wonder if that is from interacting with other dragonflies or from being the victim of a hungry bird? In this warm and often humid weather the Swift long-winged Skimmer has no problem to “hawk” its food, holding the legs in a basket shape and grasping mosquitoes and other small insects. The chance for the photo comes when they are perching on grass or small branches. Quite often the dragonflies return to the same perch. All what it takes is a little patience.