Macro

For a change I decided to take my "big" camera (Nikon 7200) with the macro lens with me to work. I must confess, I'm addicted to zoom lenses, and it actually made me nervous to only have my fixed focal length macro lens with me. But it was fun to be able to get some better closeups. And it's a fine general purpose lens as well. Luckily I didn't see any birds that would have required a telephoto.

There appear to be at least two different kinds of water striders on the pond. They move around on four legs, and the other two front legs are used to catch their prey, somewhat similar to praying mantis. (They're insects and therefore six legged.)





The damselflies are numerous and busy mating.



And judging by the exuva (shed skin) there are quite a few dragonflies emerging from the pond. (Their nymphs are aquatic and predators like the adults.)



I only found one fishing spider and it was too far away (and half in the shade) to get a good shot. (This is cropped substantially.) It looks like another pregnant one.



Of course, there are lots of other spiders around as well. I keep looking in the flowers for crab spiders, but I haven't spotted many this summer.



I always enjoy the water lilies





I love the details of their flowers





The hibiscus are another favorite. I have lots of favorites :-) (This is two handheld shots focus stacked, as you can tell from the ghosting in some parts.)



They have interesting details too



Another colorful flower



Some of the ornamental grass was flowering. I had a hard time catching it when it wasn't blowing in the wind!



I even managed a few reflection shots





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