Central Ohio NatureFlowers and Flies
Posted on June 17, 2019
Exploring the world of insects is an excellent example of how digital photography has opened a door into a world most folks don’t give much thought to much less appreciate. A passion for bugs may start out innocently enough when one decides to photograph a flower and finds that it’s occupied by many creatures not noticed before. A closer look reveals some to be beautiful and fascinating in their own right and others downright scary. This may prompt one to make an effort to identify the bug just photographed which in turn often leads to an awareness of how much there is yet to learn about this small world.
.
Fortunately it doesn’t take an expensive camera to get a reasonable picture of a insect the size of the common house fly. We’re not talking macro-photography here, where one focuses on the dragonfly’s eye, but instead about a picture that will allow you to identify the insect and be good enough to share on social media. Our favorite of the small sensor “bridge cameras” is the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 or 300. With their fast lens and close focus capability they are a great all round camera for anyone starting out in nature photography. When one moves up from there to larger APS-C sensor DSLR’s you are looking at more money and bulk which may limit their appeal on long hikes. In the world of DSLR’s just about any lens similar to the Canon 18-135 mm will allow you to focus close enough to get a reasonably good shot. Longer lenses such as the Tamron 100-400 mm (more money still) will allow you to focus on subjects that won’t let you get close enough with a shorter lens. With it’s close focus capability perhaps the best all round bird/bug nature camera setup I’ve seen is the micro four thirds Panasonic G7 with the 100-400 mm Panasonic/Leica lens that my wife uses. It employs an excellent but smaller sensor than my Canon APS-C which is part of the reason for it’s admirable close focus performance. That being said I’m sure there are excellent camera setups that I’ve not had experience with.
.
Unless stated otherwise the below pictures have all been taken close to home at Griggs Reservoir Park so the adventure doesn’t necessarily mean hours of driving to some exotic location. Almost all insect images have been significantly cropped.
(click on the image for a better view)
.
A Bumble Bee enjoys Foxglove Beardtongue.
An nice illustration of the difference in size between a sweat bee and bumble bee, (Donna).
If you think this is an innocent little Bumble Bee you would be wrong in fact it’s a Bumble Bee Mimic Robber Fly no less ferocious than the one below, (Donna).
A more typical looking robber fly a little over an inch long. If you’re a small insect it will be a bad day if you run into one of these, (Donna).
Four lined Plant Bug, (Donna).
Eight-spotted Forester Moth, (Donna).
.
Thimbleweed.
Moth Mullein, (Donna).
.
A very small but beautiful Long-legged Fly.
It’s a rough world for bugs. A long legged fly falls prey to a robber fly.
.
Water Willow at waters edge. Deer are known to browse the leaves and beaver and muskrat will consume the plant rhizomes. The submerged portion is home to many micro and macro invertebrates, (Donna).
.
Little Wood Satyr.
Painted Lady, one of the most common butterflies found on every continent accept Antarctica and Australia, their favorite food plant on which to lay their eggs is thistle, they do not overwinter and they can have long migrations up to 9,320 miles long, (Donna)
Hackberry Emperor, a butterfly not usually seen on flowers but on a warm day may land on exposed skin, (Donna).
Question Mark, (Donna).
Red Admiral, (Donna).
Silver-spotted Skipper, one of the larger skippers, (Donna)
.
The beautiful flowers of the Milkweed. A very import plant for many insects most notably the Monarch Butterfly.
.
Milkweed Beetles, (Donna).
Great Golden Digger Wasp, (Donna).
Perhaps some type of wood wasp, (Donna).
.
Black-eyed Susan’s.
.
Golden-backed Snipe Fly, they can be found throughout Ohio, and are most often observed resting on low vegetation. They appear in the late spring and early summer, and have been observed mating in late May and early June, although timing likely varies across their range. Little is known about their life cycle.
Small hoverflies on fleabane.
Hoverfly profile.
Two Marked Tree Hopper. Click here to learn more about this fascinating insect.
.
Common Mullein.
Northern Catalpa.
.
Syrphid Fly Yellowjacket Mimic. The syrphid fly often mimics wasps or bees to gain protection from predators, (Donna).
The Green Bottle Fly is usually observed around less savory food items.
.
Black-eyed Susan’s, (Donna).
Depford Pink, (Donna).
.
Mating Candy-striped Leafhoppers, (Donna).
Mirid Plant Bug, (Donna).
.
Butterfly Weed.
A field of clover.
.
A Mayfly falls prey to a jumping spider. Normally slow moving jumping spiders are capable of very agile jumps, when hunting, in response to sudden threats, or to navigate obstacles. They all have four pairs of eyes, with the pair positioned closer together being larger.
Another view, (Donna).
A small moth on Canada Thistle.
If it’s real lucky this Orange Dog caterpillar may become a Giant Swallowtail.
.
A field of fleabane.
.
A rarely seen Orange Bluet, (Donna).
Female Twelve-spotted Skimmer, (Donna).
.
Hairy Wild Petunia.
.
It’s hard to believe what’s out there in that small incredible world that goes largely unnoticed by most as we pursue our daily lives. In the hierarchy of human affection warm cuddly animals seem to be at the top with insects being at the other end of the spectrum and usually not considered a welcome intrusion. But as with most things the more you know and understand the more you grow to love.
.
A casual glance will not do. To discover wonder and beauty one must look closely with intention.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
A Quiet Walk In The Park
Posted on June 16, 2018
It was a quiet morning at Griggs Reservoir Park with little wind and an overcast sky that threatened rain making it almost too dark for pictures. The kind of day one pretty much has the whole park to themself. My pessimism about what would be seen, much less photographed, was reflected in my selection of cameras as I contented myself just with a Panasonic FZ200 superzoom accompanied by a pair of binos, my wife expressed her optimism by taking a bird camera.
Rain and the resultant higher water levels meant that in many areas Water Willow graced the reservoir shoreline.
.
With the absence of traffic both in the park and on the reservoir, normally wary and prone to flight Great Blue Herons were content to stay on shoreline perches as we walked by. Other birds also seemed less prone to flight as we got close.
An immature Male Hooded Merganser is spotted with a group of Mallard Ducks, (Donna).
By a rain puddle a Barn Swallow strikes a contemplative pose, (Donna).
A Robin with a mouthful of earthworm and mulberry, (Donna).
.
Even with the dullness of the morning the unmistakable fire orange of a noisy Baltimore Oriole caught our eye as it streaked by on it way to a nearby tree. Taking a closer look through dense leaf cover revealed an almost completely hidden nest. Suspended by next winter’s bare branches what remained would be easy to spot.
Male Baltimore Oriole
Take 2.
Take 3.
‘
My wife looked ever closer in an effort to see a “new to her” insect or spider. Life that most of us walk right by.
White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillar, (Donna).
Katydid, (Donna).
Female Amber Wing Dragonfly
Through the leaves a lone Painted Turtle is spotted. Not a good day to sun oneself on a log.
A very small and young Gray Tree Frog tries to remain unnoticed, (Donna).
.
Seemingly unabated, wildflowers continue their march through the year. Those that greeted us just a few weeks ago are gone but new ones have taken their place. On a sunny day they speak in a bright and joyful voice so it seems counterintuitive that the best time to photograph them is usually on overcast days. No blown out highlights, deep shadow values, and more saturated colors.
Horse Nettle is a good plant just to look at but not to touch.
Canada Thistle is a pesky weed for Ohio farmers.
As if playing “King of The Mountain” the vine and flower of the Morning Glory take advantage of an accommodating Moth Mullein.
Not the most common of our native wildflower standing forlorn at waters edge is what remined of a fairly large display of Butterfly Weed, someone had picked the rest.
Daisy Fleabane.
Thimbleweed.
Tall Meadow-rue.
White Moth Mullein.
Canada Anemone.
Reservoir landscape.
.
It never did rain and as our longer than expected time in the park came to a close so did the time for taking a “closer look” and for reflection. As is often the case when in nature we left much richer than when we came.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
****
Perhaps I should stick with photography!
Late Spring Celebration; A Warbler and Much More
Posted on June 15, 2017
Nature unfolds and reveals itself like a flower, first reluctantly and then with grace. Armed with just a little curiosity, looking with intention, and allowing yourself to be in the moment and place, rewards one with new wonder. Seeing and appreciating more each time.
<<<>>>
In the past few days, still interested in finding warblers, we visited Prairie Oaks Metro Park and closer to home Griggs Reservoir Park in the hopes of seeing a few stragglers. With the exception of the Prothonotary, the warblers didn’t cooperate but fortunately other things did. Whether it’s warblers or “other things” we’re always amazed by the celebration of life this time of year and the beauty that’s often found in the ordinary. The pictures below were taken over just a few outings, typically involving walks of at least two or three miles, sometimes longer, as we search for birds, bugs, and plants. It is a source of continuous fascination that so much can be found so close to home in central Ohio.
.
A shaft of light finds grass along a stream, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
<<<>>>
It’s always nice when “the reptiles” decide to join the cast.
Next to the path a turtle acts none to happy about our presence, Prairie Oak Metro Park.
A Bullfrog shows a nice profile, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
<<<>>>
Still in “warbler mode” on a recent outing, we weren’t prepared for all the insects we would see.
Familiar Bluet, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Inch Worm, (Donna).
Daddy Longlegs, (Donna)
Spicebush Swallowtail
Silver Spotted Skipper, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
A very common Cabbage White, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Painted Lady, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Virginia Ctenucha, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Viceroy, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Eight-spotted Forester Moth, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Large Lace-boarder Moth, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Milkweed Beetle, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Silvery Checkerspot, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Green Bee on Coneflower, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Hackberry Emperor, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
<<<>>>
Where there are bees and butterflies there will be wildflowers or maybe it’s the other way around.
Butterfly Weed, Griggs Reservoir Park.
In grassy areas and meadows English Plantain is everywhere, Griggs Reservoir Park is no exception.
Very small bees visit the very small flowers of the English Plantain.
Hairy Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis), Griggs Reservoir Park.
Black-eyed Susans, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Thimbleweed, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Early Meadow Rue, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Day Lily, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Goatsbeard, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Moth Mullein, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Chicory, Griggs Reservoir Park.
<<<>>>
While we were excited to see Prothonotary Warblers nesting so close to home there was no storage of other birds to fascinate.
We’d been seeing this nesting Prothonotary Warbler for a few weeks in Griggs Reservoir Park. We finally were able to get some pictures.
It must be nesting nearby because at one point it was observed taking food to it’s young.
Preening.
No spot is missed!
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is not common this time of year in Griggs reservoir Park.
A Downy Woodpecker making effective use of it’s tail, Griggs Reservoir Park.
An adult Killdeer tries to get our attention, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
It tries a little harder, something must be going on.
Sure enough!
A male Baltimore Oriole makes it’s presence known in Griggs Reservoir Park. It’s been a great year for these birds in the park.
This Northern Flicker, often seen in a fairly localized area, must have a nest nearby, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Numerous Catbirds continue to entertain in Griggs Reservoir Park.
A Mallard keeps an eye on us as we walk along the water in Griggs Reservoir Park.
<<<>>>
A stream benefits from recent rain in Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
.
Nature unfolds and reveals itself like a flower, first reluctantly and then with grace. May you be rewarded with new wonder, seeing and appreciating more each time.
Chipmunk, Griggs Reservoir Park.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
.
XXX
.
Should you wish prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. If you don’t find it on the link drop us a line.
Little Things and The Whole
Posted on June 18, 2016
Sometimes when in nature it’s not about a new discovery to photograph, it’s about being in the moment, awake, content with the “usual” flowers, insects, or birds, their motion, colors, sounds, feeling the cool early morning air, drawing it into our lungs, aware as treetop leave rustle and small ripples appear along the reservoir shore.
Reflection of a small branch breaking the water’s surface.
.
But even during those times, in that experience, we do see things that draw us out, that asked to be photographed, and in doing so embrace us in a feeling of oneness with something that is part but also beyond ourselves. In that moment time, as if also captured by the photograph, stands still.
.
Recent dry weather has resulted in low water levels.
Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
.
Flower’s continue to be a part of the wonder.
Moth mullein, an invasive species native to Eurasia and North Africa, it has naturalized in North America..
White Mulberry, Griggs Park.
Scarlet Pimpernel, probably an escapee, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Backyard Day Lily.
Thimbleweed, Griggs Park.
Butterfly Weed, Griggs Park.
Motherwort, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Chicory, Griggs Park.
Pokeweed, Griggs Park.
Wild Lettuce, (Donna), Griggs Park.
.
When looking at flowers other things are seen.
Female Powdered Dancer, (Donna) Griggs Park.
Female Blue Fronted Dancer, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Stream Bluets, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Blue Fronted Dancer, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Powdered Dancer, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Dusky Dancer, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Widow Skimmer, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Question Mark, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Question Mark, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Bronze Copper, Griggs Park.
Hackberry Emperor, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Hackberry Emperor, Griggs Park.
Crane Fly along the Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
Black and Yellow Wasp, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Canadian Petrophila Moths, (Donna), Griggs Park.
Black Swallowtail caterpillar, (Donna) Griggs Park.
.
On a recent walk an Osprey was spotted in what appeared to be an agitated state.
Osprey being dive bombed by a Baltimore Oriole. Along the Scioto below Griggs Dam
The oriole kept at it.
The Osprey finally flew away.
.
We’ve also been fortunate to enjoy a few other birds.
Eastern Phoebe, (immature), Griggs Park.
Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Park.
With an insect.
Prothonotary warbler, (immature) Griggs Park. We have at least two nesting pairs along the reservoir and river just below the dam.
Griggs Reservoir nature.
.
There seem to be lots of chipmunks right now.
Chipmunk, (Donna), Griggs Park.
.
Being a mom isn’t easy.
All right kids could you swim the other way I’m getting dizzy.
That’s better!
.
Sometimes being in nature just means relaxing.
Not a lunker but a nice Smallmouth Bass that went swimming right after this picture, Griggs Reservoir.
.
Sometimes the opportunity to reflect on what’s been experienced is as good as reliving it a second time.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
