Dragonfly surprise

I was in the house, looking out the window, when I saw this eight-spotted Skimmer (libellula forensis) land on my lawn decoration.  I didn't know if it would stay put till I got outside with my camera, but it didn't budge.  I've never seen one of these before, although I have seen other types of dragonflies.  When I went to identify this one, I found out just how many different types there are! 

“You've got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.” - Annie Dillard