THE SUMMERTIME...IT'S SO HOT! WHAT TO DO?
When birdwatching slows down in the heat of summer, many birders turn to dragonflying, exploring wetlands in search of colorful dragonflies and damselflies.
In the summer, birds become less active. Another outdoor activity is giving attention to a group of incredible flyers, **odonates** the dragonflies and damselflies! Like birds, odonates come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and behaviors. They're fun to identify and can be found around ponds, rivers, ditches, and marshes throughout New Mexico.
Dragonflies and damselflies are excellent indicators of healthy ecosystems because they spend most of their lives as aquatic nymphs. Many species require clean, oxygen-rich water and healthy wetlands to survive, so a diverse odonate community often reflects good water quality and a balanced habitat. They're also important predators, helping control mosquitoes and other insects, while serving as food for birds, fish, frogs, and other wildlife. Because odonates rely on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, changes in their populations can provide early clues about the health of an ecosystem.
Dragonflies and damselflies may look alike at first glance, but they each have their own characteristics. Dragonflies are usually larger and stronger fliers, often zooming through the air with their wings held open when they rest. Damselflies are smaller and more delicate, with a gentle, fluttering flight, and they usually fold their wings neatly over their backs when perched.
Getting started is easy:
Visit a local wetland or stream on a warm, sunny day.
Bring binoculars.
Use iNaturalist or a field guide to identify what you find.
Take photos to capture field marks and share your observations.
Watch how they perch, patrol territories, and hunt. Every species has its own personality!
Once you start noticing these beautiful creatures, you'll find yourself looking for them everywhere. They're a wonderful way to stay connected to nature between peak bird migrations and add a whole new dimension to your outdoor adventures.
Resources:
Visit Odonata Central for a wealth of information about these beautiful creatures.
Dragonfly Society of the Americas
Dragonfly Outing with Jim Stuart
Thanks to all who joined our Dragonfly Outing at the Rio Grande Nature Center on July 25, 2026. Here's a link to Jim's iNaturalist page, where you can explore the observations and species we discussed. Here's some photos by participant John Wright:
Amberwing
Blue Dasher
Great Spreadwing by PD St. Clair
