Sunbathing

This hover fly was taking a moment to rest on the wooden handrail of a bridge across a small stream. With the sun beating down it was a good opportunity to warm up.

If you can, zoom in to enjoy the detail in this shot; those wonderful shiny compound eyes and the soft fur. There is so much to appreciate when you look closely at these fascinating insects. They're great pollinators and they don't sting or bite so they're great little critters.

Look Into My Eyes!

I had intended on posting some flower images today but looking through the folder of pictures I spotted these shots of a hover fly and decided that I would follow up the past two days pictures of bugs with these before moving onto something a little prettier.

Although I say prettier I think you will agree these are quite spectacular and as you look closer at the compound eyes you can see how magnificent they really are. I love macro photography...

Do you ever wonder how things look to these creatures with such complex eyes?

There Is Beauty Here

Flies get a bad rap and it is hardly surprising since they have some pretty disgusting habits but if you can put your prejudices to one side and look closely there really is something of beauty. Look at the glassy wings and shimmering thorax and those fantastic eyes.

The honey bee is industrious and popular but are viewed cautiously and fearfully because of their potential to sting. They too are marvelous creations and really quite beautiful. I love to photograph them hard at work and with their dusting of pollen.

Look Into My Eyes...

I love this shot.

I was lucky enough to spot a pair of dragonflies that were mating and I watched as they came to rest on the hedgerow giving me an opportunity to get few shots. I quickly switched to my 100mm macro lens and got as close as possible. This was taken hand held and using natural light so I was glad that it was a sunny day making it possible to get a sharp image. 

If you enlarge the image you can see the detail of the beautiful compound eyes. I think it is stunning.