Hi there,

I've just recently (recently as in, in the past week) started heading out on expeditions into an area called Mud Lake, a conservation area in Ontario, Canada. I've never really gone on such expeditions before so the wildlife I'm running into are completely new to me, but entirely fascinating! I really want to get to know about the things I'm seeing.

That said, below are some pictures I took of a dragonfly which was hovering around the bog. Ideas on what it is would be greatly appreciated, as well as tips on how I can go about identifying dragonflies in future. Hope to hear from you guys soon!

Finally, one I know for sure - Twelve- spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella)

Nice photos !

As for future identifications there are several good books for beginners.

try
Stokes Beginner's Guide to Dragonflies by Blair Nikula, Jackie Sones, Donald Stokes, and Lillian Stokes (Paperback - May 2002)
or
Life Size Damselflies & Dragonflies of Southern Ontario [Paperback]
Mike G. Peters (Author)
both available on Amazon

Whenever I find an insect I do not know I check out http://bugguide.net/node/view/15740. It can be hard to find what you are looking for at first but finding things while browsing is half the fun !

Let us know how you make out on future adventures!

Welcome to the world of Dragonflies!

Jim_B is right on with the identification and books.

Another good book is Dragonflies through Binoculars - A field guide to dragonflies of North America by Sidney W. Dunkle

Have fun!