Darner dragonfly photographed by Jeff Zablow at Mt. Meron, Israel

July 2014 in an agricultural field on the coastal plain of Israel, at Mishmarot. Up at 4-ish, 5 minute hike to this spot. Camera ready, blousing garters in place around my ankles, knee pad on my left knee, macro-lens cleaned, film (Fujichrome Velvia 50) loaded, with 5 rolls ready in my left pocket, and 2 lengths of steel on my person (feral dogs).

I was ready for butterflies, with my eyes trained for any and everything wild. Darners were here and there, and as usual, they were very territorial. When I saw this one, I was interested. I made my ‘Technique‘ approach. It startled a bit, twice, but stayed on its perch. When I could not risk getting any closer (It’s Macro-!) I shot away.

On this frigid November morning in Pittsburgh, this 7:50 A.M. image just delights me.

How often do I stop, in places like this, and look up, and say, Thank You!

Thank you too for the growing numbers of friends who come, savor, and revisit.

Was is not worth the sweat and tears of all of those who fought to conserve and grow the wilds and edges of the U.S. and Israel, here?

Jeff

NB, I don’t know the common name or species name of this sweet Darner.