Last Saturday (5 September 2026) I headed out late morning hoping to photograph some late season dragonflies. I had not photographed odes (dragons or damsels) all summer. This is very, very unusual for me. No reason other than I was busy with other things, I guess.
I headed out late morning for the Cilley Family Forest in Bennington (NH). This conserved parcel of land used to be owned by the Robertsons, Joan’s cousins. Among the features of this property are a large, unused field that is kept mowed and a trail along Powdermill Pond leading to the railroad bed/bridge. All of which are good places to find odes. I have photographed here many times.
Being late in the season, I was not expecting to find large numbers of odes. I was not disappointed! I saw a total of half a dozen odes… five female Autumn Meadowhawks and a lone damselfly. Alas, I was too slow and did not make a photo of the latter.
Despite the dearth of odes, I found other smallish subjects to photograph and was back home in time for a late lunch.
What no Camera Obscura or monotones?? These are just right with the color and sharpness. You have been busy – shooting, processing, and posting!