Ebony

As in Ebony Jewelwing, one of our largest and most beautiful damselflies.  They are often found in dense vegetation where they perch and wait for prey to come flying by.  Every year at about this time, I see a lot of them in my pollinator gardens because even though most of the flowers haven't started to bloom, the little creatures are already gathering - and the hunters are gathering too.  This is the male, a stunning creature and quite aware of its environment making it challenging to photograph.  Damselflies of this size are definitely a favored food for birds feeding nestlings, so they are vigilant lest they become the hunted rather than the hunter.

Today there were  3 or 4 females in one of my gardens actively hunting while this male cruised in for a Quick Look.  The females, while also beautiful, are not nearly as brilliantly colored as the males.  I will put a shot in Extra so you can see for yourself.  Note that the female has white stigmata on the wings which makes it very easy to sex them even from a distance.

I've been mostly pottering around in the garden today, planting a few small seedlings and pulling some things that moved in without permission.  Jax, as always, is watching from a nice shady spot on the deck, every vigilant.  

Later this afternoon my bestie Peg will be arriving.  Today would mark the 21st anniversary of her beloved Chris who sadly and suddenly passed away late last summer.  So we will toast him tonight and share some happier memories.  

Today is also my parent's anniversary - 71 years ago they walked down the aisle.  I think there is a trip to Coldstone Creamery on their schedule today, and dinner somewhere nice tonight.  

Tomorrow afternoon I will head over to the fair grounds to grab some horse show photos.  I got a message from one of the moms asking if I'd be there but since her daughter is first up, I won't be able to get pics of her tomorrow.  Next time!

xo
Debbi