Clovis' Nikon Nuggets

[Robin W]

The thistles are just starting to open. I didn't plant these, a couple just came up last year, in the middle of the wildflowers and so, didn't get mowed down. I've got a bumper crop of them this year. I swear they attracted more insects than any other species I had growing. This wasp was unusually cooperative.

I like the head-on shots, even though they leave most of the body out of focus, unless you can do a focus stack.

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This is my favorite of the series. I got a head on shot, but the body was in the same plane, so it's all in focus.

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Very nice!

 

[Clovishound]

Another bugs eating bugs image.

I found these bees settling down on some thistles for the night.

 

[Clovishound]

The stuff of nightmares:

I'm sure glad these things aren't the size of a pony.

 

[Clovishound]

Went out this afternoon in between bands from the tropical storm coming by. Caught another bug eating bug image.

And these two were still at it.

 

[Clovishound]

OK, enough of the weird and somewhat disturbing looking critters.

 

[Clovishound]

Same bug, different victim.

 

[Clovishound]

More of these interesting predators lurking in my back yard.

 

[Clovishound]

Went out this morning with the Charleston CNPA group to the Clemson Extension Bee Garden. Very hot and humid, but we had a good time. Lots of flowers and plants as well as a small pond to attract lots of insects, arachnids and other critters. Saw some hummingbirds early, but I didn't get a chance to get any shots of them. Lots of dragonflies around the pond. Those were my favorite.

 

[Clovishound]

Saw this little guy in my wildflower plot in the back yard this evening. Ran and got my camera, and was surprised he was still there, and let me get quite close to him. I've seen him out there before, so I'm thinking about naming him. Perhaps Hasenpfeffer, or maybe since I'm always photographing bugs.............

 

[Robin W]

My little guy won't let me get so close. But I also haven't seen him in a while. The photo I have of him shows a mark on his left shoulder and I am thinking maybe whatever made that mark came back and was more successful this time.

 

[Clovishound]

Wabbit season maybe?

 

[Clovishound]

Tried some more available light macro shots today. Had some nice overcast light and a couple cooperative anoles.

 

[Clovishound]

I think I may have a touch of Edward Weston syndrome. Although, it seems to involve dragonflies rather than peppers. And, of course, the results fall far short of Mr Weston.

 

[Clovishound]

Went over to Cypress Gardens this morning. I was very disappointed that the field that was covered with dragonflies in late June, was completely devoid of them today. I halfheartedly took a few water lily and wood duck pictures, just because I was there. Got a chance to try my disposable rain cover for real. On the way out, I discovered they had moved the hummingbird feeders to a new, more accessible location. I've never had much luck with hummingbirds, but decided to try and grab a couple shots. I plan on going back later this week. Keep in mind that these are basically, my first semi serious attempts at hummingbirds. I did remove the ugly feeder that intruded into most of the shots I got. I don't like doing that, but will on occasion.

 

[Clovishound]

Here are a few from my latest trip. Not much more light than yesterday, but applied a few things I learned from yesterday, and experimented a bit. I really need to get over there, while they are still there, and when there's more light. These high ISOs are killing me.

 

[Clovishound]

OK, Woody, against my better judgement, here are some of yesterday's shots.