CMunzel

It’s a privilege to have the little Merlin living in your area then. I’ve read about the reduction of various raptor species in the UK and the efforts, with some success, to protect them and increase their numbers. It would be wonderful if the one you have photographed could find a mate and breed. 

Have you seen catching prey in your garden over the years?

The tap that this sprinkler is attached to needs a new washer and drips constantly. 

Lots of tiny birds prefer to drink from it than the bird bath. Took this photo on one of our hot summer days where the temp reached 38 degrees Celius. These are Silver Eyes for obvious reasons........

Yes you've joined a small Laowa club, Fogey. I have a Laowa 60 mm that I love photographing small critters with. I thank Paul for introducing me to it.

I bought a second had Nikon 105mm macro leans last month but returned it after giving it a try out and finding it didn't add much to my current lens collection.

Lovely, Clicker. I have spent hours photographing peonies but none of lovely as this. Needless to say they were bought from florists as they prefer a colder climate that ours. 

Good on you for blowing the dust off that camera. Great composition in #3 with the square format and negative space.

Interesting set up with the cross bar and it changes everything to be able change the perspective, doesn't it?

I used to take low angle shots with a medium format Hasselbald film camera that had a top down viewing eye piece. It was easy to sit it on the ground because of its square box shape and take photos with a worm' s eye view. I look forward to seeing more photos.

Very nice. I like the colour version one best.

I can imagine that made your day! Lovely bird shots, Clicker. Its called a Merlin?

Glad to see you are still able to get out to do your street photography, Fuji. #3 is my favourite

I'm impressed with your ingenuity, Fuji, as always. Great results too.

It is Praying -Mantis. My error. Thanks Clicker

13 minutes ago, Clicker said:

Does it have a name ?  Looks so surreal  and ghostly  doesn't it? How long does it take for the event to happen ...and did you watch it happening ?

I call the praying mantis, Spike: a name chosen by my grandson. Or do you mean does the skin have a name? Not sure.

Sadly I missed seeing it happening. It’s the second shedding and both seemed to be night time events. It is surreal and ghostly in its transparency. Kinda fascinating. 
 

Indeed & and also more mobile with new wings. 

My young praying mantis shed its skin again last week. 

A special kind of camouflage - looking like a bird dropping. 

1 minute ago, Ryewolf said:

That's an interesting looking building Cheryl

Thanks Ryewolf. Its walls are metal (copper maybe) that are perforated allowing the interior lights to show through at night. During the day they look solid and that imagery of a Wedge-tailed Eagle is visible. The eagle is a totem for the Dja Dja Wurrung, the indigenous people of this region. 

Thanks Stravinsky.
I had a go at HDR on this photo. It’s ok. There’s a halo around the building in the sky that I don’t like and I’m not sure I like the hyper real colours. 

I took the photos to enter in my local club’s architecture comp but decided to enter a black and white version instead. I posted it here to get some feedback. 

That’s a good reason to choose a photo, Fogey. Well done, Stravinsky

I’m surprised cacti grow at all in the uk. 

How do you know it’s a female, Paul? 

17 minutes ago, Paul said:

Love her eyes Cheryl 

Paul.

Thank you m, Paul. The eyes make me smile. 

This large cactus stands as tall as me and was putting on a show with this magnificent flower.