The ones around your pond will usually have an aquatic stage that can tolerate the climatic conditions in your area and pond. There are a number of species that seem to prefer the acidic water conditions of bogs and fens. A number of species prefer the running water of streams, or rivers. A number of other species prefer ponds or slowly moving water. Many of these pond species can be identified from a distance, but it does take lots of practice.
Field guides are available for some areas.
The species of dragonflies that prefer ponds belong mainly to the family Libellulidae, often called skimmers in field guides. Many of these are territorial, hunting from favorite perches along the water. They can be quite active in the warmer weather. A number of these are brightly colored, the males and females sometimes looking considerably different. Many have conspicuous color markings on their wings.