Dragonfly on Perch

This Eight-Spotted Skimmer sits on a twig at the edge of Green Lake in Seattle. It clings tightly to its perch because of a stiff breeze. I chose camera settings to make the insect stand out against the background of lake and foliage as well as to compensate for the motion created by the wind. The "Dragons" were out in force this fine summer day because their prey were abundant. They favor mosquitos, thus their nickname in North America, "Mosquito Hawk." They also hunt flies, midges and other small insects.