Can you identify this dragonfly?

Question

I'm having trouble identifying this type of dragonfly. The link to a picture is below. I found it in Tennessee near the Smokeys, if that helps. Thanks!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/snwittmann/TennesseeTripPictures-Summer08037.jpg

Answer 1

There's no frame of reference in here that indicates the size of this creature.  That's an important tool in identification.

My field guides are primarily for the west coast.  A good local field guide should make it easy for you to identify this individual. (Possibly a female, the white line on the back was an identifying feature on a photo of a female flame skimmer I took once).  If you don't want to buy one, the library should have one, and sometimes you can even find local reference material online.

Answer 2

its a dragonfly

Answer 3

It appears to be a Common Green Darner (Anax junius)

This is a common species where you live.