You mention a pond. Does your pond have plants that will invite the dragonflies to land and to lay eggs into the pond and have small critters for the damsels of the dragonflies to eat? Or are you depending upon other areas to provide the means for dragonflies to breed and lay eggs?
Without adequate habitat the dragonflies will simply not be in your area.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Dragonfly site

I have noticed the same thing this year. Last year I could sit out by the pond and have dragonflies constantly flying all around me. All different colors. But this year I have only seen a handful.

I have tons of plants and food for them too.

The pond is full of plants and has always been attractive to the dragonflies, for at least 10 years. I love to see them perched on top of a horsetail or pickerel weed.

Hi
I was just thinking that this year had an unusually high numbers?? lol Had assumed from all the flooding Mine seem to patrol the front yard far away from the pond for some reason.
Was always curious as to why there are so many colors are there really that many different species??
gary

Well there is our answer topsie! They are all in Florida LOL Can you blame them ;)