Variegated Meadowhawk

The website attached to my suggestion is a good one to bookmark if you are in California. It is extensive and easy to look through to narrow your search. It also includes range maps for California, by county and a separate Southwestern map for those who do not stay within state borders. It is a good source for Damselflies.

Tail segments are more in line with meadowhawks instead of skimmers. Not a Whiteface Meadowhawk either - the tail segment markings do not match. Pretty sure it is an aging Variegated because of those porthole markings. Wonderful find. :)

The tail segments of your spotting do not match a Roseatte Skimmer; or other skimmers. Photo 1 shows the porthole like spots, Photo 3 and 4 you can see the yellow spots - - Here is the description of a male Variegated Meadowhawk: male: quite variable; olive/gray and reddish-orange plaid, turns redder as it ages; unique white “porthole-like” spots low on abdomen; thoracic white stripes end in yellow spot, then the white becomes obscured as it matures; stigma bicolored; leading wing veins colored

You're welcome! I don't get to help very often due to my illiteracy on all of this, so my pleasure. I haven't been so lucky with this species. They fly all through the property but I haven't seen them land.

thanks nexttogone! This was the most friendly dragonfly! We spent almost an hour with each other.

This is a beautiful series!

Thanks TMetcalf! It is a Dragon Fly. I think that it is a white faced Meadow Hawk.Waiting for some one to confirm.

What ever it is you got a great close-up.