ABOUT ME

I live in a camper van with a West Highland Terrier for company.
My passion is creating images but it is a work in progress.
I am always willing to share what knowledge I have and can be contacted through the comments on this post or e-mail ADRIAN
ALL IMAGES WILL ENLARGE WITH A LEFT CLICK

Tuesday 16 September 2014

DRONES. (16/09/14)

It’s a warm windless day. I decided to go macroing again.

_MG_3637      Drone Fly. Eristalix tenax. There were lots of these about and they were for the most part cooperative. This one is a female. It’s head looks a bit different but I’m sure I made notes and noted as being the same as the following ones.

_MG_3628       This is another taken from a bit further away.

_MG_3641      What a long tongue she has. She also seems to have an extra tiny little wing.

_MG_3632   This is a male. He’s not as sharp as I would have liked but my arms were aching.

_MG_3646    Bumble Bee. I think this one is Bombus hortorum. I find these very difficult to get a picture of as they are either buried in a flower or constantly moving around.

_MG_3647   Here is a side view.

_MG_3636    It can get a bit difficult to tell which bit is what, what with all their fur.

I was really looking for spiders today but I enjoyed snapping these. I just hope the IDs are correct. If they are it will be cause for celebration.

That’s all for today.

52 comments:

  1. Great macro work Adrian all done with a ring flash ?


    peter

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peter, 10mm Canon macro with Dorr extension tubes totaling 56mm. MR-14EX flash set to full power right and 1/4 power left ETTL. Camera manual focus, ISO 400, f13.

      Delete
  2. Wow.. wonderful macros, Adrien. Particularly the first two. I'm impressed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary, it is warm enough for them to fly but not too warm so they weren't skittish.

      Delete
  3. As Hilary said - Wow! Super insect pictures - but perhaps the stuff of nightmares too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YP, some do look a bit ferocious and many are. If it's nice tomorrow I'll have a look for dung beetles and flies. I have about got the magnification and the lighting sorted.

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Frances, autumn is a good time for insects they are just that bit quieter. I find them beautiful.

      Delete
  5. I don't know about the "techie" bit - way above me but the pictures are stunning. I would love to see a dragon fly treated in the same way. Could you? ALSO the pictures of your dogs are a treat - Alf in his scruff is just delightful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, I don't think I've seen a Dragonfly all year. I have seen a few Damsel flies. I'll have a look tomorrow.

      Delete
  6. Was a human stung in the making of these photos?:) You really got in their business!:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These don't sting. I think the Bees can but you can pick them up and they never seem to. There were a few daft wasps about but if you don't use deoderant and wear dull clothes they don't seem to bother.

      Delete
  7. PS. Scotland? Part of Britain or no more. This American is looking forward to the voter results. Totally fascinated by it all over here. Our news isn't great but thankfully there are other news agencies covering this huge event!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We will know Friday morning. I suspect and hope nothing much will change.

      Delete
  8. they do have beautifully delicate wings and wonderful furs :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ruby, they are so delicate but seem to survive when other creatures can't.

      Delete
  9. Wonderful Macros Adrian, I don't have the patients to get macros of insects.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Horst, I have tried it with a tripod. Hand held is much better but the gear does get heavy. I just love admiring them on the screen. Fascinating they are.

      Delete
  10. They look so alien like in macro, fascinating stuff. I guess you might need a visa soon if Alex gets his way

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Douglas, I think they look wonderful. Can't see it coming to a visa. When the hot air stops sense and compromise will prevail.

      Delete
  11. Awesome shots. You show us detail that we'd never see with the naked eye.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Red, I can't see it till I download them from the camera.

      Delete
  12. Replies
    1. They are. I love seeing how delicate and complex insects can be.

      Delete
  13. Cracking macros Adrian, it's interesting to see all those intricate details that we otherwise miss.
    Those little winglets?.... never seen them before and can't find them mentioned anywhere...perhaps you've got a rare one?

    As for Bumblebees, I'm still trying to get even a half decent photo, they're tricky little blighters.

    I'm off out now looking for some fungi...at least they stand still...[;o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trevor, I looked all over the internet for those little wings. It isn't just one fly as I can just make them out on another one.

      Bumble bees are not very cooperative.

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. Thanks John. I have got a system that works now and again.

      Delete
  15. Yikes, I'm glad you did not find any spiders... Drones are bad enough, that close up! :) I might agree to cuddle a bumble bee though - if they made a strict promise not to sting!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Monica, I have never known a Bumble bee sting and I'm for ever rescuing them. They probably would if I sat on one.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wonderful images Adrian... so sharp.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew, I have just about got these blighters sorted. Now for a greenbottle or a jumping spider.

      Delete
  18. It's a shame you don't mix with children, Adrian. My grand-daughter finds these fascinating. I imagine most other children would also.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Pauline, children of all ages can see and enjoy the wonder of them.

    Perhaps she would like a magnifying glass, or a field microscope for Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Cracking set Adrian.
    You're getting good at this macro lark.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith, It must be a case of the more you do the better one gets.
      I only ditched 50% of this lot which is about the same for shooting people.
      Just in from cooking and found a beautiful toad on the road. I got one shot and got him.

      Delete
  21. Halaaaaaa Pedazo de "monstruo" Son geniales Adrian. Menos mal que son muy pequeñas si fueran así darían miedo.
    Nos vamos unos días. Estoy mejor pero aún sido con dolores en el costado.Volveré;))
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laura, lo siento usted todavía tiene dolor. Estos pequeños insectos sólo le traerá felicidad.

      Delete
  22. Replies
    1. Thanks Graham. I would like to get higher magnification without resorting to fly spray. Hoverflies and dung flies are usually relaxed. Blue bottles are little devils as are house flies. I'll keep plugging away.

      Delete
  23. Such wonderful, beautiful pictures. Unbelievable really! The skill required to get those pictures really make me envious. And leaves me speechless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peace Thyme, I took them and was surprised. I have been practising and the old saw is correct. the more I practise the luckier I get.

      Delete
  24. Stupendous and magnificent macros.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lovely Macro shots, the colours for me give them an extra edge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jay, I love taking landscapes but macro runs a close second.

      Delete
  26. really awesome shots, adrian! congrats on your POTW!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Therasa.
      PS. hope I spelled your name right.

      Delete
  27. Hi Adrian...I'm visiting from Hilary's place. Love your shots. Look forward to keeping up with you. - Mac

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mac, you are welcome. I just mess about with imagery but I do like the challenge of macro.

      Delete
  28. Wow - great shots.

    ReplyDelete