Camera Critters #154

By this time in past years, I would be out trying to get nice images of various critters in the central Oregon area.

However, as I type this (Friday evening), the ground is covered with the wintry white stuff and it’s still falling.

I don’t mind, but sure wish it would warm up so I can go after the critters.

In those past years, I have gotten several photos that I really like.  The image below is one I have submitted to a number of photo contests with no result.  I guess few people see the humor I see in it.

This Soldier Beetle, which I found at Lake Billy Chinook, north of me, spent several minute ‘playing’ around on the end of the twig.  I stood there watching and sometimes firing off images as he continued his antics.

When I looked at my images at home, this particular image caused me to burst out laughing.

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

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!

Camera Critter Sunday No. 4

I always have my eyes working overtime when I am out on a photo safari. If my eyes aren't scanning back and forth, up and down, wherever I walk, I'd miss a lot of photo ops.

Take this week's Camera Critter Meme.

I was at a lake area north of where I live (Lake Billy Chinook for those interested) last August and was hot on the tail of a whiptail lizard. As I pushed my way through sage and other weeds, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a color which didn't fit.

Glancing over, I saw this Soldier Beetle having fun at the end of a twig. I decided the lizard could wait and squatted down to watch this fellow. He totally ignored me while performing interesting and comical feats of acrobatics at the tip of the sage plant. He also ignored me as I snapped away.

I now present the best from the acrobatic soldier shot.