We’ve not had a mystery about here for some time! Let’s remedy that with a double-header. I’ve been busily editing photos from the summer whilst I watch Jessica Jones, and I have some lovelies for you.
As you can see, these tiny buds were barely opening. But the bees were already busy with them.
These lovely flowers filled the wetlands around Juanita Bay last July. They definitely seem to like to keep their feet wet.
And they’re even prettier with a beautiful blue dragonfly perched beside them.
It’s quite hard to photograph dragonflies that are flitting about amongst the water plants when you’re stuck up on the deck, but I got a few good shots. I rather like this one of the dragonfly in flight.
It’s ready for its close-up.
And it knows many pretty poses.
And, for a finale, flowers with a froggie.
So there we are, my loves. I hope flower, froggie, and dragonfly have brought some delight into your day. And for those who enjoy identifying things, may both of these provide at least a wee bit o’ a challenge.
Water smartweed, Polygonum coccineum, I think.
The dragonfly could be a Blue Dasher.
http://odonata.bogfoot.net/photo-pages/Pachydiplax_longipennis.htm
Or something else, I’ll have to look further. My first thought was “Blue Darner”, but darners appear to have slenderer abdomens.
No need to look any farther, Trebuchet–you were right the first time. This is clearly a male Blue Dasher, aka Pachydiplax longipennis, with the dark thoracic bands, blue abdomen and bright green eyes. It’s the most common dragon down here in Arizona.
I’ll second the identification of the dragonfly as a blue dasher. And the species name means, “long wing”, not, you know, the obvious.
I hadn’t even noticed that!
That’s an interesting bee. I don’t suppose there are any closer pictures of it?
You can click the pictures to enlarge them, but since he’s behind the flowers it’s hard to see him well. Hairy little guy.
Unfortunately, it’s the only one I got. I’ve got more bees coming soon, but I don’t know if they’ll be interesting per se. Darn cute, though!
It’s probably a bumblebee, they’re larger and hairier and they love delicious sweetness, too.