It is very hot today.........We were out at five thirty looking for insects. This place is swarming with hoverflies, there are also damoiselle and the occasional dragonfly. I rummaged about in the grass for a good hour but all I found were those half inch long grey moths. They fly by day are as common as houseflies but the crafty little devils settle underneath leaves and grass stems. I have yet to get a picture of one.
Nothing much else to report. I have been out with the bridge camera. It is old, has been dropped a few times, is stuck together with gaffer tape and super glue and has appalling shutter lag. It does have a macro or more precisely a close focus capability. The flies are quicker than the camera but I had a good time watching them.
These though not the same fly are the same species one of the volucella which one I don't know.
This is a lovely little fly....these are true flies has they only have one pair of wings....this is a type of syrphus. I really miss a good macro lens. This camera does have the advantage of speed....with the old 150mm on the E-5 I could sit for an hour waiting and failing the lens was just too heavy to hand hold and focus. At least the images were worth having when I succeeded. I'm considering a 180mm. Canon, I am assured, chuck a years gym membership in with the lens.
That's all for today.
I love the Hoverfly, it sits still for a moment and zipped off looking for something suits its appetite. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteYes they move fast.
DeleteYes it was hot today - a steamy 13 deg up here on Lewis. I didn't sign up for cold summers. It's warmer in Napier - lots warmer - and it's still winter there. And they've got two volcanos erupting to add spice to life.
ReplyDeleteI love watching volcanoes....Stromboli was superb a few years ago shooting fire balls into the sky. I misjudged things a bit and got hot ash on myself....Ruined a good jacket it did.
DeleteNow considering my fly knowledge is zilch, you've just increased it by 100%. thanks for making this interesting.
ReplyDeleteInsects are fascinating....I have trouble with IDs but they are very beautiful...take a magnifying glass and spend an hour or two watching them.
DeleteThis sounds like an experience. I don't know much about flies but that last shot is a real stunner. You have a great set of pics here. The experience behind every post is always the most fun to write about:) And sometimes they aren't always pleasant:)
ReplyDeleteThe shots are not good but the insects are.
DeleteHappy hoverfly hunting, Hadrian.
ReplyDeleteIt'sthat time of the year....they are wonderful.
DeleteHi Adrain! you make all good!
ReplyDeletehave a great rest of summer :-)