Back after the heat

Little did I know the fun we were in for over summer back in late October at the time of my last post.

With over 2 months of searing heat consistently reaching the mid 40's in the Celsius scale and some nights still 30 Celsius at midnight the skies were free of birds and creatures great and small retreated to whatever haven they could find from the relentless temperatures.

It was within this oven like environment I found myself and awaited for more than the industrious ants and my dying garden to shoot. 

Autumn has brought some relief and some needed rain ( I think we had about 10 mm total over summer)

so I am back at it.

Considering how rare the following scene has been I shall start with this. Storm clouds bringing much needed rain and helping bring back life to all.

Still awaiting the big thunder storms to produce some good lightning shots.

Just may get a chance before winter sets in.

Finds while doing a little gardening

The frosts have stopped at last and so a little gardening was planned this afternoon.

Two interesting creatures were found in the process of cleaning up for planting.

The first is a Case Moth ( pictured below).

This little guy is of the family Clania Lewinni - the stick case moth an, although it favours gum leaves was found munching happily of a Raspberry bush.

Below is an arachnid ( and one of my favorites)

It is a Wolf Spider and this is crowded commuting taken to the max.

The mother will carry these spiderlings on her back and is most protective of them.

It was difficult getting this shot as she was very camera shy.

The weather continues to warm with storm chasing the flavour of the month.

Hopefully I will have some good lightning shots posted soon. 

  

Back in time for Spring

Well I never intended to have such a lengthy hiatus in posting, though I'm back with some macros in time for Spring.

 

A burst of hot weather and a little rain has seen an explosion of colour and the insects haven't been to far behind. A great time for a few macros.

 

 

This ladybird was on the hunt for a few aphids

 

 

No need for sprays even with this sort of infestation.

Within a week most will be cleaned up by the various predators.

 

As golden sunshine replaces cold and icy winds, frosty mornings and pleasant days are on the increase.

 

Look forward to a new burst of postings to follow.



Tall Trees

The following are shots from my recent trip to the "Sugar Pine Walk" just out of Tumbarumba in Laurel Hill. These pines have been let go wild and give an idea how grand nature can get if we give it enough time to reach its potential. While not exactly redwoods, an experience nonetheless.

Light shows, rain and Wasps

Good rain at last after a long hot dry spell and temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.

This picture as this latest storm approached .

The rain also afforded a little nest building for this formidable looking wasp. 

With its head down and tilting its body in a "head stand" position it rolled large balls of mud.

Flying off , it returned at minute long intervals all afternoon to repeat the process.

A very cagey and private creature, I have not yet been able to locate the nest.

As it returns to the same position continuously to collect mud I will attempt a video of this soon.

Xmas eve storms 2012

Its been a great year for photography and the huge storms that lashed NSW Australia on Xmas eve were no exception. Here is an animation of the build up and light show that has been compiled from the sequential shots taken that day.

Have a great New Year and see you for more in 2013. 

Macro Explosion

A burst of hot days has seen an explosion of insect life.

Having moved to a new area I am presented with many new creatures to photograph.

Here is a small collection of some of my most recent macro shots.

With the new macro configuration giving good DOF and colour rendition/ sharpness the fun is just beginning

We still haven't had a good lightning storm here, though with all the warm weather it is only a matter of time.

Those storm chases amongst you keep an eye out.

Sixth Birthday

Today is the sixth anniversary of my blog and I'm on the move and unable to post much. It is the first time I have mobile blogged though. Here are a few shots of my new stomping ground that promises a new range of nature to capture from massive storms to the smallest of creatures. I hope you have enjoyed the last six years. There's much more to come.

Pollinators

With Spring well under way everything is in bloom and its harvest time for those great pollinators the bees.

Here are a few shots dedicated to those who help feed us with more than just honey and keep colour in our lives.

Into Spring

Things are warming up, though Winter hasn't totally given up its grasp with the occasional return to quite cold weather. The thunder storms have begun rolling in though, a sure sign that change is in the air.

There is quite a bit of pollen in that air too. Below a shot of a peach orchard in flower with rolling hills on a misty morning.

Apples are also in blooming, though the storms of late have taken a toll .

Those storms should afford some great shots soon hopefully.

First signs of Spring

Although Spring is still a few days away nature has already made her mind up with a number of great days full of the potential that can be felt as Winter ends. Just ask those who suffer hay fever.

To acknowledge the coming of Spring here are a few blossom shots.

With the coming of Spring is the arrival of some of this areas best thunder storms.

I will be out chasing this year with some new territory to shoot.

Here's another shot with Spring colours backdropped with ominous thunder clouds.