Cat Island

Last Saturday my friend B and I were excited to visit a place new to both of us: Cat Island--a 10,000+ acre NWR (National Wildlife Refuge) located near historic St. Francisville, LA. From January - July most of the area is under water, so we were worried that we might not be able to cross a couple of the one-lane bridges leading into the preserve. But we decided early in the day that this would be an adventure and treated the day as such. Bravely (trepidatiously?) we entered the refuge, and although I spent most of the day swerving to avoid pot holes, it was dry.

We arrived at our destination around 8:30AM, so the heat/humidity weren't oppressive. Yet. We were prepared with snacks and drinks, but I was unprepared for the amount of sweat that would drench me in such a short time. Thankfully, B had an extra cloth to lend me so I could mop my face. I had so much fun with B and I hope we get to do more exploring together. It's so wonderful to have a nature-lovin', photog bud.

Checkered skipper

Bee on "sensitive plant." I haven't seen one of these since I was a child.
The leaves look like small ferns that close up when you touch them.
Next time I'll get the leaves in the shot. B's is so much better than mine.

Butterflies were landing on us right and left.

B photographing the inside of a large cypress.
Is she dressed for success or what? I've got to get a vest like that.
There are so many pockets for all sorts of goodies!

This Bald Cypress is the largest tree of any species east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The massive base splits off into two trunks and is 56' in circumference, 83' tall,
and is thought to be about 1,000 years old. Maybe even 1,500 years old!
A viewing platform was constructed around the tree to protect it.
A very nice article can be found here.

B has all kinds of neat camera stuff. See that strap? I've got to get one. Also, she has a clip-on
thingy that holds the lens cap. Since I keep losing my lens caps, this is another must-have.

B noticed this scary spider as we were leaving the big cypress. Yikes!

White Ibis with a leaf stuck to his bill.

Cemetery gate in St. Franisville, LA
More of our afternoon there in a future post, which includes exploring an open crypt!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Thanks to Tex for hosting the fun Good Fences meme!

Also, many thanks to Anni for


And Stewart for

LINK

Almost forgot to add Eileen's. Thank you!!

LINK

Mostly Macros

Still cleaning out my hard drive. I plan to take as many photos in 2014 (Lord willing) and my Mac is getting a little full—kinda like me on Thanksgiving Day. Time to purge and make room! Photos taken in July and August, 2013.

Edited to add: Common Housefly
Thanks, Linda, for asking!

This bottle fly is either eating something or about to deposit an egg sac.

Is this an immature grackle? Not sure.

Assassin bug eating a bottle fly.

Mealybug. Cute like a poodle, but deadly for plants. :/

Cute little jumping spider. 

Monarch caterpillar?
Black swallowtail - thanks, Kim!

Linking with Our World Tuesday.

More macros

As I stated in the previous post, I am completely smitten with my new macro lens. Here are some shots that kept me busy the first couple of weeks after receiving it.

Tiny lantana bud

Anole on crape myrtle tree

Some sort of spider - nearly missed him he was so small

Dragonfly

Clouded sulphur

??

I have no idea what the last insect is; looks like some sort of moth? The metallic color of the stalk is pretty cool, too. Just wish I could remember what plant he was perched on.

Venusta Orchard Spider

It finally quit raining enough for some photography. This tiny arachnid hovered over my Mexican heather in the center of the beautiful concentric web he had woven. It took me two days to get a decent photo because the wind presented such a challenge. Wind and macro photography do not play nice. Also, he remained upside down, so I never got the chance to see him from the top. At least I think he's upside down.

Submitting to Macro Monday.