Common Bumble Bee

For several weeks, the bumble bees have been busy in the trumpet vines outside our home.  Close-up, its amazing how much "hair" these guys have on them.  This one also had a "damaged" right antenna (about 1/2 of it is missing).  I was shooting with a macro lens and only a couple inches away much of the time.  Despite being so close, the bees paid little attention to me.

"Brown" Dragonfly

I know...it looks dead.  But, trust me, it wasn't!
This dragonfly really wanted to be photographed on this stump which was lying in a field.  It repeatedly returned to the exact same spot and sat still for long periods of time.  Wish I had such luck with butterflies.

"Green" Dragonfly

Chased this dragonfly around a bit before it settled in for a portrait.

Aphid on Daisy

During a visit to Western North Carolina, I decided to walk around a bit looking for bugs to shoot.  It's amazing what I see when I just slooooow down.  This shot is of a very tiny Aphid on a Daisy or Aster.

Lady Bug on Trumpet Vine

I'm a member of Nikonians, a user group for Nikon camera enthusiasts.  They have a variety of great inforamtion there.  If you're a Nikon guy or gal, check them out at www.nikonians.com.  Anyway, posted a number of images to a contest in the Macro forum today and will share the same images here over the next several days.  Some of the other photographer's images are just stunning.  Check them out here.

This photo is of a Lady Bug on a Trumpet Vine in our yard.  Although I believe the vine is invasive, it certainly draws a lot of insects and the occasional hummingbird.

Sled Dogs

St. Augustine Fishing Pier & Lighthouse