Friday, July 27, 2012

Robber Fly and an Encore

Double D spotted this robber fly on the breakfast nook window outside. He actually stayed around long enough for me to get my gear ready! (The fly, not Double D) Sorry for all the buggy shots lately, but I haven't seen any interesting birds at my feeders and it's been too hot to go exploring for birds or anything. 
Posing on the fence.

Very first shot through the living room window because I was too fearful to open the door at first.

The only shot I got of his back side. Not great, but it'll do.

Reflection

Hope you don't mind an encore of the venusta orchard spider.

I know he looks menacing and huge, but his body is smaller than the tip of a pencil eraser.


Tomorrow I am going to Port Allen with a friend to photograph some horses. I'm SO looking forward to it! Especially since today was nearly a repeat of Tuesday's post--one aggravation after another. I'll spare y'all the gory details. After all, "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." ~Miles Kington

39 comments:

Deanna said...

That first shot is a humdinger!! glad he stayed still for you to snap a few. Enjoy tomorrow, love to photograph animals and especially horses. Will look forward to seeing your journey.

TexWisGirl said...

really amazing macro shots, once again! love that reflection! :)

Christine said...

What some great shots! I love that gorgeous spider and the last shot of the fly and his reflection is my favorite.

beth said...

is this a silly question.....do the robber flies rob something ?

GREAT MACRO!!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

My goodness, Gail, These are truly awesome. I especially enjoyed the reflection one. And that spider...I'd have liked those better if I just didn't hate spiders so much. :)

Kathy said...

This is just too much! I never thought I'd enjoy looking at pictures of a fly. Boy, did you ever prove me wrong! The first shot makes me think he's wearing aviator glasses. And then that reflection scene is to die for!

As far as tomato in a fruit salad, have you ever had a tomato and peach salad? Chunks of tomatoes, chunks of fresh peaches, some very, very thin slices of red onion, some julienned strips of fresh basil, lightly drenched in a good quality EVO -- absolutely wonderful! (Did you know the best olive oil is processed in Spain?) I find it impossible to find in East Texas (after all, everybody here fries their stuff in bacon grease!). It will take another driving trip to Arizona for me to replenish my supply at a Trader Joe's!

Kerry said...

Do NOT apologize for bug shots, especially these bug shots. They are fantastic. Bugs are like little aliens.

rainfield61 said...

The robber fly with white mustache looks very handsome.

It is aware of this from the window glass.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Bugs are great by me --- and that reflection shot is a humdinger!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Your first photo is amazing, brilliant macro work Gail. Who needs to go hunting out in the heat for birds when you have "wildlife" like this just outside your window.

Brian King said...

Fantastic, Gail! Great macros and the reflection is outstanding!

Phil Slade said...

Gail, You made me wonder why you were reluctant to open the window so I googled - "Robber flies are not normally considered pests. They will occasionally bite humans, but they are not blood feeders, and will only bite on accident or if provoked". So, get that window open and take some more of those cracking shots for us please.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I've never heard of a robber fly before - fun shots!

Gone Country said...

I LOVE that last shot of the robber fly and his reflection... amazing!

I kinda like the last shot of the spider too. So colorful and nice composition.

Nancy said...

I've heard of the robber fly, but have never seen one -- great macros Gail. Hope you had fun with the horses! xo

Anonymous said...

Love the first shot!

the wild magnolia said...

spectacular! WOW! the fly never looked so good.

janjan0000 said...

WOW Gail!!! Fantastic!

Shug said...

Hey gurl!! I love that knowledge info....sure wouldn't want a tomato mixed in with my fruit!!
These are great photos and I'm really looking forward to seeing the horses! I know you'll bring us the BEST..
shug

Mary said...

Those are some seriously well put together bugs...your photo tells me so much of their details. Bugs are not accidental creatures....none of us are. God's creatures.

hootnonny said...

He should market those cool sun shades! Glad they both stayed around!

Justine said...

these look very different to our english creatures! wonderful close ups, do they bite??

Suzan said...

Don't care for flies - but the reflection shot is amazing. Love that spider!! What a lovely pin he would make with an emerald body!!

Evelyn S. said...

Amazing how you capture such fascinating macro images!! I've never heard of a robber fly, but he's ugly...rather frightening looking. That doesn't keep your photos from being terrific, though.

Reena said...

These are great shots Gail! What lens are you using?

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Great macro shots, Gail. And that MAD post is so good... reminds me that as long as we can keep our sense of humor, we'll be OK!

Anonymous said...

Oh I so want to learn how to do this....incredible shots....ewwwwwww...kinda shots...but incredible nonetheless ;)...I'm curious too what lens you used and the settings?

Arti said...

Those are some fantastic shots! Especially loved the reflection one and the second last shot. That looks poisonous to me, looking at its bright colors?
Wish you a wonderful sunday:)

Amy Burzese said...

These are great! The fly reflection is excellent and that is one pretty spider.

Unknown said...

I bet you are using your newest lens again...
these photos are amazing with excellent focus.
Love the quote; never heard that one before.

Rosemary Aubut said...

LOOOOVE the reflection shot! Interesting and beautiful photography as always!

Unknown said...

How gorgeous shot even they are bugs:) The first one and the reflection is amazing.

Charlotte Wilson said...

How do you get the focus so perfect on the "fur" of the insect?! You are awesome! Very cool bug! And no I don't mind seeing that interesting and dangerous looking spider again.

♥charlotte

Anonymous said...

Wow - amazing shots. Love the one of the bug and its reflection.

Unknown said...

Such wonderful Macro shots.. I just love the refection shot.. I hope you have a happy week..

Hugs~

Lisa Gordon said...

These are fantastic macros Gail!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Wow, you make ugly bugs look great! Gonna have to get me a new lens.

Barbara said...

Amazing photos!! Especially love the reflection... wow!!

Hilary said...

You're getting and posting all of these amazing photos and you're apologizing for them? Silly woman. :)