A Sense of Wonder

Two photos today, from that amazing Adam's county naturalist, John Howard. They serve proof, the first trait of a true naturalist is a sense of wonder. I wonder what made these dragons stand out to John. They are not unusual in size or shape, and the colors are rather subdued. But he took note, and got himself a humdinger here.

Four-spotted Skimmer photos by John Howard

Four-spotted Skimmer is quite the rarity in Ohio, with a short flight period. Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio says their numbers "have notable decreased and are no longer a yearly occurrence in Northeast Ohio." In fact, no tenerals (immature dragons) have been sighted in the last decade and it is possible we are only seeing migrants.

A sense of wonder will serve you well. Whether it is botany, butterflies, bird or dragonflies, keep your eyes open wide and question everything. Who knows what the rest of us have been missing out there?!