PEP tangles - my Zentangle Inspired Art blog

Monday 19 August 2013

Winged Creatures

As long as I can remember my Father never went anywhere without his camera. Lately I've begun to understand as I've delighted in being able to photograph the wildlife in our garden. It was when I first began to craft & was creating in the ATC format that my husband decided that I needed to have a proper camera as my dated non-digital Olympus could not cope with such tiny detail. It took about a year for me to pluck up courage to negotiate the digital technology & I still tend to feel my way forwards using the Macro, SuperMacro & Automatic settings rather than having a theoretical knowledge. The rewards are immense for I have a lot of pleasure in photographing details of plants & insects.

Red-tailed Bumblebee on Cotoneaster
Dandelion Clock in our Woodland

I was dead-heading & weeding the other day when I stumbled upon a moth beautifully camouflaged against the red brown earth. He obligingly allowed me to photograph him as he made his way across one of the Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca Minor Bowles Variety) plants. I believe he is a Large Yellow Underwing Moth for I caught sight of brilliant yellow underwings as he moved.

Large Yellow Underwing Moth on Lesser Periwinkle 

Our Wallflower (Erysimum "Bowles's Mauve") regularly attracts the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly & yesterday I managed to photograph what I think is a Meadow Brown whilst he was totally engrossed in feeding.

Meadow Brown Butterfly on Wallflower 

I'm a novice when it comes to identifying butterflies, moths & bees although I've been identifying birds since I was eleven years old.  I shall miss the birdlife that we have here in Brecon - suprisingly my last count of positively identified bird species seen in/from our garden came to 27, & that's not including the owl that we regularly hear at night - but I hope that when we relocate to Exeter we'll be able to find a property where I can have a courtyard garden to grow butterfly/bee friendly plants in. Whilst I'm on the subject of insects has anyone else noticed a distinct lack of ladybirds this year? I have only seen one so far.

The house is finally up for sale. Should you know of anyone who loves wildlife & wishes to have a little piece of woodland in their back garden with lovely mountain views........you can point them in THIS direction.

17 comments:

GinaA said...

Fabulous photos Paula, I too love taking pictures of wildlife, but have to capture the really slow ones especially birds. Robins will normally sit still for me but other species tend to dash about a bit. I don't think I have seen any ladybirds this year which is a shame. I am sure you will be able to capture beautiful things in your new place, they may be different but just as lovely in their own way.

Sandra said...

Your photos are lovely Paula - so much detail on the bee's wings! I'm sure your house will be under offer soon, it's such a beautiful setting and you and Richard have worked so hard on the garden (a labour of love I'm sure!).
Sandra

jackiescrafts said...

You have some lovely photos there Paula which will provide you with happy memories when you move. I'm no good a photographing wildlife as my camera is never near enough and of course they move before I've got it. I haven't seen many ladybirds this year either

Jackie x

Elaine said...

What fantastic pictures Paula, the pic of the bumblebee is splendid, you have captured his wings perfectly. I love the detail on moths, so perfect in every way! That camoflague is wonderful. I saw my first ever Clouded Yellow butterfly yesterday, Only a glimpse, but I was assured by my friend that was what it was! I am sure you can encourage all sorts of visitors in the new garden. Elaine x

craftimamma said...

Thankyou for sharing your gorgeous photos Paula. Your pics don't make you look like a novice I assure you. I used to have an Olympus years ago and was so upset when I left it on the back seat of a taxi in America. Getting the films developed may have been a nuisance but I did take some lovely pics with it. You also have a much greater knowledge and skill than I when identifying these lovely creatures. The detail you have captured on all your photos is amazing but as Elaine said the bees wings are stunning! I loved the area where you live when we visited nearly 2 years ago now (phew time flies) and your bungalow is really lovely. Someone is going to be very lucky to live in that beautiful home but I'm sure you'll find another little paradise to call your own soon.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Sally H said...

Stunning photos, Paula. great detail and you know how much I can relate to having a camera in my hand all the time. There is nothing quite like getting to know your garden and it's visitors at their level too. Hope the house sale goes well. Relocating for us is going to have to wait until retirement, unfortunately!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous photos Paula ! Amazing close ups of the insects, my favourite is the Meadow Brown on the Wallflower. I'm a gardener but never heard of Wallflower, I assume it's because it would not survive our cold winters. I would frame that photograph, it's a beauty. The 2nd photo is another stunner, would make a great painting. Take care, Shirleyx

Aquarius said...

Thanks for sharing these beautiful photographs - you must have much patience as well as expertise to capture these creatures. Good luck with the house sale.

brenda said...

Nature is wonderful Paula, I never fail to be amazed by it's wonders, it is an appreciation which grew from my Dad's affinity with it.

Your photos are splendid and with such clarity, like you I rarely know names of butterflies but they are a joy to see.

Thank you for sharing.

B x

Jean said...

Fabulous photos Paula,thank you for sharing them. I try to keep my camera handy to photograph some of the wildlife that visits but they all seem to elude me somehow.
Jean x

vinny said...

such lovely photos Paula, I like to attempt to photograph wildlife but think my camera is not really up to such close ups sadly. As for ladybirds, we have a silver birch ? in our garden and every year it is covered in ladybird larvae so I am able to watch them develop. x Lavinia

veronica said...

They're great photos Paula - and you have loads of patience too!. I spent ages this morning trying to photo butterflies on buddleia , and didn't get a single halfway-decent shot.
Have only seen one ladybird this year, and not even butterflies in any number until the last couople of weeks

Heather said...

Beautiful photographs Paula, you put me to shame when I look at mine - you have inspired me to to take them and then print them out instead at us sticking them in a file.
I look more to seeing many more - off you to out and take some more!!!

hugs
Heather xx

alexandra s.m. said...

Hello Dear Paula,
Your photographic skills are amazing!
I very much enjoyed this post and wish you the best of luck in the sale of your lovely bungalow...

Heather said...

It's me again - get up into your woods and see if you can find 'frolicking'with my MoJo, if you can - give him a sound smack and back him back home - mind the traffic!!!!

hopefully Heather xx

Clare said...

Paula, I, too, love to photograph nature, and your photos are amazing! Your eye is awesome, and I can appreciate your work!
Clare xo :)

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

WOW! You truly have an eye for capturing detail in your amazing photographic compositions. I lOVE the bee on your bed of Cotoneaster and your butterfly on the Wallflower. I haven't seen your father's work, but I assume you inherited his gift of photography. Blessings, my friend!