spreading one's wings

No question, with so much rain this spring, it has been an excellent year for biting insects.  And for the plants (such as blueberries) and animals (such as fly-catchers) that rely on them.  Our barn swallows had a big nest this year -- with six fledglings taking to the sky this week.  

One of the biggest allies in the attempt to keep the mosquitoes under control is the dragonfly.  This is a fabulous video of one emerging from its nymph stage.  We often find these empty shells attached along the side of the docks.