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

Wednesday 1 June 2016

FLYING. (01/06/16)

I have had a frustrating few days. The wind has been too strong for macro video and yesterday evening when the wind died the insects kept flying out of focus. Not to worry it keeps me out of mischief.
This morning dawned bright and sunny again so after feeding what had to be fed I had a wander looking for flies. There aren’t many to choose from but I found about four or five. Three flew away before I could get them in focus so I’m left with a couple.
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I have forgotten what this is. I have had a quick look but can’t ID it yet. I’ll keep looking. It's a male Thricops semicinereus . Many thanks Trevor_MG_5517
This is a hoverfly and a real gem. When I took it’s picture I thought it was Volucella pelluceus as they are common here in late summer. It is Leucozona lucorum. I had to look it up. I’ll get out this afternoon and try and find it again for a picture of it’s face.  Both these flies are on Hawthorn blossom.
Summer is here now and what a wonderful start to it.

22 comments:

  1. I laughed at the part, "I had a wander looking for flies." It is a rarely read or uttered phrase.

    I wonder what the fly sees of the ant in its face? Great photos.

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  2. Marie, I am determined to make macro in the wild entertaining. Insects have been about much longer than we have. I find them absolutely drop dead gorgeous. I spend ages getting close to them and spent money on lenses to do it and strobes and cameras and reflectors and off camera strobe digeridoos. The ant was sleeping well spotted I'm happy it was nearly sharp and happier still you noticed it (My eyes aren't what they used to be). I doubt it is an ant as the insect is only 2mm long. I'll check. Thanks.

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    1. Ps, Maria if you use your eagle eyes you will see two little blobs on sticks behind the wings on the second shot. These the fly uses as a counterbalance to it's wings. They are heavy and small so it can hover. I think they have it all worked out.

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    2. I see them. Incredible to see them.

      You're right, it can't be an ant, too small.

      The first one's wings look like leather, with a sheen!

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    1. Thanks John, There is always room for improvement but I won't resort to killing one for a stacked shot.

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  4. You take such amazing macro shots of insects!

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    1. Linda, I love them, such perfectly formed little things and most are beautifully coloured.

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  5. Glad you're getting out in the sunshine Adrian, no such luck here, it's been sou'wester and wellies weather here for the past couple of days.
    Two nice specimens you've found there, the hover is a beauty. Not sure about the fly, I've searched t'net and some books and can only come up with a Muscidae Sp. ...Musca autumnalis (Face Fly) it's a livestock disease carrier! but as far as I can find out it's range doesn't extend into Scotland? Hmmm?..maybe looking too deep..check out Musca domestica (House Fly)!...[;o)

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    1. Trevor, the hover is a cracker thrilled to find it. I think the other one is a Tachinid, I'll keep looking as I'm sure I've snapped one before. Not to worry it will be all too soon till it's fungus looking up time. A few minutes to get the snap and an hour deciding what I've snapped.

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  6. Eeeek! Bugs! Great closeups of these guys!

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  7. Awesome macro photos Adrian.

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    1. Lynda, it is a very good lens. Canon MP-E 65mm

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  8. Fantastic macro photography, Adrian! I find myself getting more and more immersed in the macro-world, and my enthusiasm is further fired-up by your work!

    I see that there's a field guide to hoverflies. Having seen that beauty in your image, I'm of a mind to buy the book!

    Keep up the good work - may the sun shine and the air be still for you - - - Richard

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    1. Richard, it is too windy for video but in any case there aren't many insects about yet. Hoverflies are generally attractive but the small picture wings are better still.

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  9. Good macros - even if insects is not really "my thing" ;)

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    1. Monica, people seem to either like or dislike them. I'll try and find some dragonflies or butterflies but both are scarce here.

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