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.