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Libellula lydia
(I actually think the wikipedia link has a picture of a twelve-spotted skimmer instead of a whitetail for the female. It could be wrong but this link explains the difference: http://www.stephencresswell.com/d/pulche... )
We have a similar species in Northern Ontario. A bit more red. I will post pictures so you can compare the two.
Wow, great shot! I saw a similar one on this coast about 10 years ago (first time I'd seen it around here), but it was more black than brown. Is this type common where you are?