Enchanting Erythronium

 

I love these delicate lilies that were growing in the dappled shade of a woodland garden at Bodnant. The way the petals peel backwards and upwards to reveal the bright yellow anthers to attract the pollinators is quite enchanting. 

The first image above is one of my favourite shots in quite a while, I love the balance of light and shade and the way the flower appears to be almost floating or dancing in the air like a ballerina or perhaps for those who believe like a fairy.  As I said enchanting.

Dragon or Fairy

I took these shots at the weekend at Burton Mere Wetlands. I had gone to photograph waders and so I was set up with my 150mm - 600mm lens so not the best set up for photographing flying insects. I didn't think I had time to switch to my macro lens so I did my best.

The large zoom lens is quite heavy and slow so taking these shots, hand held was a challenge and I had to take a few steps back to be able to focus but I think I did ok. 

This dragonfly appears settled but he kept on taking off in search of a meal and in the final shot you can see he is finishing off a mouthful of fly.