14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A placid dragonfly in the suburban desert of Phoenix, Arizona

I glanced out the window facing our backyard and noticed an insect in-flight that was mostly red in color. I stepped outside and when it landed I realized it was a dragonfly. After watching it fly toward the front of my house, I figured it was gone. Surprisingly, it came back so I stepped inside to grab my camera. Luckily this dragonfly was feeling patient and I was able to snap over 50 images before it departed again. Their flight pattern is so unique I could be entertained for hours.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2016
Date Uploaded: 09.2016
Photo Location: Buckeye, Arizona, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Copyright: © Katy Custer