In the Meadow

It was hot in the meadow this morning. By noon I was roasting, but I was able to get some photos. Since the big weekend is close I will wait a few days to go back. This afternoon I was working in the garden and watching a Clear Wing Hummingbird moth feed. Love to watch these little moths.

Robber Flies

Bee-like Robber Fly - Laphria thoracica

Well something about the meadow keeps pulling me back. I'm totally in awe at the insect and wildflowers I am finding this year. Today was no different. As I was shooting the daisies this very cool looking robber fly landed. It was my second look at one of these this year.

 It was a perfect day out there and I was able to photograph many butterflies and other subjects. I will be going back in a few days to see what new is out there to discover.

 Meadow Meets Forest

Birthday Images

Well I turned one year older today...no big deal. I don't feel any different.

Anyways I went out to the meadow for a short time today and took a few images. Mostly I wanted to see what was blooming or what new insect species I could find. I ended up shooting mostly daisies today. I did locate another American Copper and took some shots of it. I will not be going back to the meadow for a few days, because I need to check on some other locations. So here is two images from the meadow.

Return to the Meadow

I went back to the meadow for the third day in a row and today was the best yet.

Six species of butterflies and 5 dragonfly species. Many birds singing and enjoyed the fresh taste of wild strawberries. YUM!!!

As I was photographing the berries I noticed some wild rose's near by and moved over to photograph them. So I moved my tripod and laid back on the ground and when I got up I realized I squished a bunch of berries on my white shirt. So I really got into photography today.

The first image is the wild rose before it opens.

This next image has some visitors.

Syrphid Flies enjoying the rose.

After I was done photographing the rose I moved back to a spot where I had seen two American Coppers the day before. So I sat down and watched, but nothing. So I walked around and one flew up and the chase was on. First I tried to use my macro lens to get close, but it would not have nothing to do with me getting close. So I attached a 36mm extension tube to my 300mm lens and was able to get a few decent shots. After about and hour it flew off and I could not locate it again.

Going to rain tonight and some tomorrow so I won't make it back out there until at least Friday. There is so much to photograph there and I still have not explored the full swamp and near by woods.

Great Afternoon

I spent a few hours in a swampy meadow this afternoon. Many dragonflies, butterflies and wildflowers. The only thing it was really windy, so I did not get many photos. I am planning on going back again tomorrow. Here are just a few I photographed...

 Blue Flag Iris

 Common Stretch Spider

Blue-eyed Grass

Back to the Meadow

Went back to the meadow again today, but the lighting and wind was bad. I will try again when we get a better day. Did see plenty of dragonflies and butterflies, but no good shots. Sometimes that happens, but it is always nice to get out there...even if I don't get any shots.