I find that this type of dragonfly is one of the easier ones to spot, but it can be a challenge to get one sitting still for long enough to get some good close-ups. It is a Cherry-faced Meadowhawk, named for its bright red face, thorax, and abdomen. An interesting thing to note about its wings is that in Western populations the veins in the wings are generally yellow-orange, while in Eastern populations the wings are darker. Like many dragonflies, they can be found near shallow ponds, marshes, and streams. I generally associate them with some of the hottest weather, and I also find that the heat slows them down a bit, so it can be easier to find one at rest on the hottest summer days.
