Saturday, October 11, 2008

Camera Critter Meme #27

One of the best things about being a nature photographer, is you get to learn a lot about the critters you see most often. For this week's Camera Critter Meme, I would like to show how various insects in my part of the country, mate.

First is a pair of Common Ringlets. I came across this pair along the Dry Canyon Trail in Redmond, Oregon, last year. I first saw the pair flying around and couldn't figure what it was...until they landed near me.


Continuing with critters found along the Dry Canyon Trail, a few weeks ago, I hit the jackpot, so to speak, of finding mating pairs. On a blooming sage brush, I found this pair of Soldier Beetles. They seemed to know what they were doing.

Not far away, on some wild oats, I noticed a pair of Shield Bugs doing what comes natural.


Then, as I was heading up the stairs which allow access to the canyon, something told me to go back and look closer at the base of the steps. I'm glad I did, for I never would have seen this pair of Robber Flies in the process of mating.


The next critter is the Western Meadowhawk. It is a common odonata in my area and can be found near water and in arid areas. I found this pair at Fireman's Pond.


Several days after seeing the meadowhawk pair, I noticed a pair of Blue-eyed Darners in the reeds along the pond. Notice the difference in positioning for the activity.


And finally, as I was walking along the far side of Fireman's Pond last summer, I noticed an attached pair of bluets flying low over the water. I watched the pair head towards me and land on the remains of a nearby plant. With camera in hand, I was able to capture this sequence of events as a pair of mating Tule Bluets proved, that even in the insect world, mating is an an act of love.




I hope you enjoyed my entry for Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme. If so, check out more entries here. If you like what you see, let the person know...better yet...add your own!

27 comments:

Carrie said...

Caught in the moment!lol!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a lot of critters were in a romantic mood! lol

Gemma Wiseman said...

I can hardly believe these pics! They are simply amazing! I think those blue-eyed darners are fascinating and quite beautiful!

ratmammy said...

ah, the last signs of summer! great photos!

Misty DawnS said...

As you already know, I think your photos are spectacular, and I'm your biggest fan (well, not physically biggest - you know what I mean). So, I'm not going to be the big sap that I am and repeat all that mushy stuff. But, I do need to say this...


DUDE - you got a photo of two RF's mating!!! How freaking bool is that?!?!

Christy said...

lovely images. I love how that last photo has a resemblance of a heart. Great captures.

Busy Mom in Iowa said...

The last picture is especially amazing! Thanks for sharing!

Sandy Kessler said...

Feels like I'm there in the fields

Unknown said...

You have patience :) Those are great, informative shots. Thanks for sharing.

My Camera Critter is here

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Who knew that insects were so horny. Well maybe horny isn't the proper word, but you know what I mean. Great Camera Critters. Lisa

Jeanne said...

Wow not only is it fascinating to see how they do this but your pictures themselves beautiful.

Kelly said...

Wow, these are great photos! You really caught some great amazing shots! Great CC post!

Michele said...

These are amazing photos... I am impressed!
Mountain Retreat

Cathy said...

FABULOUS post and photos!

AppleDebbie said...

What an amazing series of photos. It looks like you were in the right place at the right time... great captures!

marLou said...

I've always wanted a good pic of dragonflys but they've always been a little to fast for me. Great job on everyone of these pics!

Maude Lynn said...

That last picture is absolutely amazing! What a capture!

Tootie said...

The really like the pastel colors in the first one. They're all very nice photos. The last one looks like planes refueling. :-)

Cláudia said...

Thanks for sharing all stunning shots from these lovely critters, the colors and the romance.

b13 said...

What a great bunch of creepy crawlies!

magiceye said...

stunning set of pics!!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ash: Nature at it's best, the cycle of life with the bugs.

Gretchen said...

Just beautiful, but I do not like bugs!! I will say it a million times, but bug porn is something everyone should see. :)

♥ mommy author ♥ said...

lovely shots!

mine is here: http://whenmomspeaks.com/2008/10/camera-critters/

Rayne said...

My goodness! There is a whole lot of bug sex going on in your neck of the woods, isn't there?

Rhea said...

That last photo makes a heart...so romantic!! I love all your insects. I've learned new ones today! Great photos.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Always such a wonderful collection. Dragonflys evade me.