For more than twenty-eight years I've dabbled in the "after dark art" of mothing. At times it was quite serious but, just recently, it is little more than a dalliance with these creatures of the night. My camera driven efforts, of yesterday, did nothing other than spur me on to better things. I'd spent a wonderful afternoon down at Pegwell Bay NNR, in the company of Gideon, yet the focus of my attention was upon the nicotiana plants on my patio. It wasn't properly dark (19.50 hrs) when the first Convolvulus Hawk-moth turned up at the nicotiana planters. By 22.00 hrs there had been in excess of a dozen individuals visiting these fragrant offerings. How many will end up in the MV? Very few being my experience, thus far. There was only one last night - number sixteen! To be totally honest I couldn't care less. Now I've got my new camera to play with I'd rather take a photo than pot one up.
The EOS 70d - I'm loving it!
Very tiny bird-like.
ReplyDeleteAll my previous mothing experiences have revolved around the insects being attracted to light. To now be able to watch, and photograph, these spectacular moths feeding on my garden plants has taken it to another level and probably why my blog content is so one dimensional, at present. Cheers for taking the time to comment, take care & tight lines - Dylan
DeleteBrilliant shots Dyl! As you said, its great to get in the field shots rather than in the trap. I did this with Clifden Nonpariel last autumn, they look much better...
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart, it's a bit like the "chicken and the egg" scenario. Because I now have the technology which allows me to capture such images I am pushing the boundaries of my mothing experiences. If it wasn't for the camera would I have bothered? All very strange and totally unimportant. What really matters is that I'm looking now with a very different set of eyes. Take care - Dyl
DeleteThis morning (Tuesday) I came across a caterpillar of a Hummingbird Hawk moth in my garden - most surprised.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen one and it's very heartening to learn that you're that interested in such creatures as to get an id! Hoping all is well at your end? - Dylan
DeleteThese are great shots Dyl, digital cameras are somthing elce aint they? I hope to be out again soon with my kit hope all is well at yours.
ReplyDeleteBob, the camera is far more capable than the long-haired twat pressing the shutter button, that's for sure! Still I'm very much enjoying the experience and the results that my new toy is capable of recording. Love to you and Wendy - Dyl & Bev
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