Nikon d7100
1/5000, f8.0, iso 800, -.67 EV
500mm + 1.4 TC = 700mm
manual exposure
Thought this view was interesting given the hair like covering on its back between the wings.
Lovely image and I agree, that “hairy back” is neat!
Greg: Really good comp and DOF control especially. I also like the perch a lot. I’d say your hunt was pretty successful. 
>=))>
thank you both for the kind comments. they seem to land on the same position almost all the time which helps a lot.
Greg, this is a fine catch on what I believe is a Widow Skimmer. They like to perch on flat surfaces. The details in it’s perch and the angle of the perch and the green oof bit work create a good sense of movement.
Thanks Mark. I had this ID’d as a Common Whitetail Skimmer. I’m not a bug guy so help me out here where I was mistaken. I could use a good source for dragon ID’s ?
Hi Greg,
Yes this is a white-tailed skimmer. You did a good job in getting this guy nice and sharp. Visit https://www.odonatacentral.org/ for everything you need to know about dragonflies, but were afraid to ask 
. …Jim
Greg, you are correct it is indeed a White-tailed skimmer, my mistake, with the difference between the two being added white bars on the wings of the Widow. Dragonflies through Binoculars by Sidney Dunkle is a good book that’s widely available. If you want a reference for both Dragonflies and Damselflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (or West) by Dennis Paulson are very thorough.