Close-ups and Macro

We are in the middle of a local walk near our rented cottage here in Aberfoyle and we come across a rather attractive bridge (watch this space). On the railings my wife spots quite an amount of these lichen type growths. They are about 2-4cm high. To me I can well imagine to see some small fairy-like beings to pop from behind one. Enjoy full size.

My old Kodak folding camera, gets a retrieve from the attic for its portrait. Yes, I have actually taken photo's with this that required my own processing and printing too. They were not bad but the effort in bringing those photos was not what it is today with the ability to take thousands, instantly with our pocket phones and then view or send them anywhere. Ah, the good old days. PIPS of the whole camera included here too. Notice the special Autographic pen and opening window at the back of the camera that allows a date or any other info to be scratched onto the photographic film back hence displaying that on the finished negative and photo. A unique futuristic form of Exif here, well in front of its time. The back inscriptions says "Use Autographic Film No.A-120" - It appears that these camera's where made between 1904-1926. Maybe this really is a hundred years old!

Ah yes, it might be red now but this bush is a purplish-pink colour in spring. I think it is a single twig of a Cotinus bush but I am no expert. In any case I thought it looked quite nice framed by this dark green fence and I do like the reddish reflections. I hope you do too. HFF. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Mosses and grasses cling to life atop this fence post taken with such strong side lighting that all else is thrown into darkness. Just short of an insect climbing the stalk. Have a good day.

A rare subject nowadays for my Ipernity. Flower closeups. This taken in our garden on a very warm day to checkout my newly acquired Nikon 105mm macro lens. It is actually the very end tip of one of our many Astilbe plants, also known as 'False goat's beard' Enjoy full screen and beware that hot sun.

‘Bombus spp’, as seen on our garden Lavatera bush. Today, the bush’s many flowering blooms were full of them. Another chance therefore to try my macro lens again. The white spots are pollen seeds from the centre of these flowers that this bee has just rubbed itself over. These large, hairy bees are generally black with varying degrees of yellow banding. Look closely at flowering plants and you’ll probably spot several species. Common bumblebees include garden, buff-tailed, red-tailed, white-tailed and field bumblebees. They are social insects, living in colonies of up to 200 workers. Queens hibernate underground during the winter, emerging in spring to find suitable nest sites – for example, abandoned mouse holes. Each queen builds a nest of dried grasses and then lays about a dozen eggs that hatch into workers – sterile females. The workers gather pollen and nectar to feed later batches of grubs. New queens and males hatch at the end of the season and mate. The males, workers and old queens die; new queens hibernate. Bumblebees are not aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened. They are important pollinators of many plants and fruiting trees eating nectar and pollen Nice full size.

A rather different take of one of our garden sweet pea flowers. Described as a flowering plant, this bit had invaded the inside of my greenhouse whereas the main parent plant sits outside. It climbs to about two metres if allowed on anything it can get its little feelers around. It has been flowering in the same spot now for about four years. A black background card accounts for the dark background. Essential full screen

A rare natural history insect capture from me here. This seen in a pond on a recent drive and walk. Damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) are smaller than dragonflies and are known for their graceful flight and dazzling colours at times. This couple are in their mating position. More info: www.britannica.com/animal/damselfly Enjoy full screen.

A close up of part of a large Gorse shrub (Ulex europaeus) spine, seen on a local walk. These always look good with their bright sunny yellow petals. Since winter is approaching this plant is now finishing and the petals are turning brown making for nice blend of colours here along with the greens. Enjoy full screen Have a good day.