Kip’s Comments - June 26, 2026

Much More Than Sport Mode

On my drone controller I have the option of “Sport” mode flight. Sport mode disables my obstacle detection and allows for faster flight, quicker turns, and much livelier (risky) travels in the sky. I do, on occasion, fly in sport mode. No matter how zippy my flight might be, I am not even close to what dragonflies and damselflies can do in the air. Today I was humbled by their aerial skills.

Hunting insects near cattails and over aquatic vegetation were many aggressive dragonflies and some damselflies. I am not sure what made today an ideal day for their flight, but both species were very busy. I did what I could to document them with only one “flight” shot being somewhat close to acceptable. They just move so fast!

Common Whitetail Skimmer Dragonfly - Image 1114736

Common Whitetail Skimmer Dragonfly - Image 1114737

Blue Dasher Dragonfly - Image 1114595

Blue Dasher Dragonfly - Image 1114610

Blue Dasher Dragonfly - Image 1114628

Blue Riverdamsel Damselflies - Image 1114645

Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly - Image 1114753

Twelve-spotted Skimmer Dragonfly - Image 1114783