Yar Matey!

This is a blue dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis) that visited our pond today. They apparently are also called "blue pirates" (no idea why).

He was very forgiving compared to other dragonflies that I've tried to photograph in the past. But after a few shots, he had had enough and flew off. He had beautiful eyes, which sadly are not well represented as the horsetail was waving in a fairly lively breeze resulting in a slightly out of focus shot (that's what I tell myself anyway).

I found some info at the Bug Guide. I hope he sticks around. He'll get to meet the red pennant that is usually found at our watering hole.