Sunrise

A short visit to the local patch at dawn revealed a misty scene.

Macro Fun

I'm really enjoying the new macro lens. The Green Hairstreak was showing well in the warm sun at Stewartby Lake. So far the extra reach of the 180mm has proven its value when approaching flighty subjects.

Canon 40D, Tamron 180mm macro,
1/160th sec, f/9.0, ISO 100, tripod

I can't find a name for this small spider which was lurking on a dead flower head - amazing camouflage !

This is Gymnochaeta viridis, very similar to the Greenbottle from which it differs by having hairy eyes. The second image shows a 'sun-tanned' individual - the bronze colour is acquired with age.

 

Ants and Adders

What promised to be the sunniest day over the Easter period did not quite live up to expectations. The chance to photograph an Adder in Bedfordshire was, however, realised. There were four or five females on show by mid-morning as the sun tried to burn off the cloud.  Some were seen to increase their surface area by flattening their bodies and therefore increasing the warming effect of the sun.

Image taken with the Tamron macro (still getting to know this lens). The cloudy eye suggests sloughing of the skin will be soon

Canon 350D, Tamron 180mm macro,
1/125th sec, f /10, ISO 400, handheld

There were a number of active Wood Ant nests over the site. They cannot sting but do bite and can spray formic acid.

Honey Bee

There were a few bees around the Hazel today - just in time to try out the new macro lens - a Tamron 180mm. Roll-on warmer weather !

Afternoon Walk

Migrant Hawker

Quite a few Migrant Hawker were enjoying another warm day at Dunstable Stw this afternoon. This one was resting on Spindle.

Clouded Yellow

There were four Clouded Yellow at Ledburn Road Sandpit this afternoon. A few of these migrant insects are seen in most years.