Dragonfly Snaps

After my Sunflower photo session, I drove to Murfree Springs Wetlands in Murfreesboro. In spite of harsh light and heat, I walked around the boardwalk. Not much was stirring except an abundance of Dragonflies. I 'think' this is a Blue Dasher resting on a plant near the edge of the boardwalk. His wings are so beautiful glistening in the sunlight.

I eyed the edge of the boardwalk and spotted what I believe is an Eastern Pondhawk perched on a plant. I am not an expert when it comes to Dragonflies, but I do enjoy photographing them. I thought I would share one of the explanations I found for the origin of how the Dragonfly got it's name.

In old Romanian folklore, the dragonfly was actually a horse ridden by Saint George. St. George rid the mythical town of Silence of the dragon that lived in the town’s pond and poisoned the town. After wounding the dragon, he leashed the dragon and gave it to the town’s princess. Saint George’s horse became a giant flying insect when cursed by the devil. In the Romanian language, the word for dragonfly translates into Devil’s Horse or Devil’s fly. The Romanian word for devil is drac, which can also indicate dragon. In English, it translated to dragonfly.

The weekend is upon us and with yet more days of high heat and humidity. Today was 97 and I'm sure the heat index was in triple digits. There's no relief in sight either. Am I allowed to say I'm almost ready for Fall. Did I actually say that? Oops. Stay cool all. ENJOY!

Yellow Rumped Warbler

Today was filled with temperatures in the low 70's, brilliant sunshine and bright blue skies. It was a welcome treat after many many weeks of very little sun and a whole lot of rain here in Nashville. I knew I had to get outdoors so I opted for a Sunday drive. Murfree Springs Wetland was the perfect place to get outdoors and take a walk. It's still Winter here in Tennessee, but I had a hunch the wetland might be greening up.

My hunch paid off and the wetland was adorned with new bright green aquatic plants covering the swamp for as far as the eye could see. As I meandered down the boardwalk, I heard a distinct chirping. While I don't recall ever coming eye to eye with a Warbler, it certainly sounded like a song bird. I spotted a small bird perched high up on a tree branch. I hadn't a clue what breed it was, but I knew my software would reveal that. Turns out it was a Yellow Rumped Warbler. Surprise, a Life List Bird. His song was melodious and while he never stayed long on any one branch, I was still happy to make his acquaintance. This little bird Winters throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States. In Spring he migrates to the Western United States and Canada where he spends the Summer and breeds. He certainly has a long journey ahead of him. Please forgive the poor image quality. Lightroom can only do so much. Back soon. ENJOY!