Gorman Nature Center

Canadian Geese

I am starting to get back out at Gorman Nature Center as the weather moderates.  I made these shots on March 10.  I captured this image and the following one while making images of the visitor center and pond.

Turkey Vulture

I don't think it news worthy that the Canadian Geese are present but the Turkey Vulture might be considered early.  There were a pair and they were quite active, flying low.  Maybe they were hungry.

Visitor's Center

While making the images above, I had a tripod set up making this.  The idea here is to get the building and the plants in focus.

I discovered a problem with my focusing while doing this.

Visitor's Center

For a reason I can't explain except that I was considering focus and wanted both things sharp, I thought of using the Hyperfocus Scale on the lens, Sigma 24-70mm, f/2.8.  The first image was focused on the opposite shore line, my estimate.  The second image was made using the hyperfocus scale on the lens.  I don't know that you can see it in these images but the estimate, the first one is more in focus at the extremes.

Tomorrow, I will discuss more information discovered on the issue.

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Red Jasper

Red Jasper

I wish I could have been there to see it form!  It looks like the quartz was injected.

Red Jasper Setup

This one gives me a feel of the rock being photographed.

Red Jasper Setup

This one helps me see the entire setup better.  I don't quite get the feel of rock in this one.

Larry Using A Hand Lens

I keep a 5x/10x hand lens handy while planning these shots.  I like it better than the magnifying glass.  I look for interesting aspects of the rock.  I look for compositions which do something and move me.

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More Harvester Ant

Harvester Ant

Did I mention that they have a beard?

Harvester Ants

I think that the one in the rear is dead.  The others just walk past it.  They tunnel and the gel in which they do so is greenish yellow.

Harvester Ant

I have missed photographing insects.  I have been anxious for spring so that I can resume that activity.

I found that the angle is critical so that the mandibles are visible.  If you don't get the right angle it looks like they have a beak.  Their skin is wrinkled.  I hope they are not dehydrating.  They probably aren't.

Megan needed to get back the ant farm for a lesson this morning.  I am supposed to get it back later so that I can continue photographing them.  I will share any good ones.

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Red Jasper/Flint Finale

Red Jasper/Flint

As you will notice, below, I moved the light on the left to a lower more direct angle.  I liked being able to see into the crevice but something was missing.  Its narrowness is no longer demonstrated.  I wanted to see more of the shadow from the top.

Red Jasper/Flint Setup I

Red Jasper/Flint

I think this shot gives me more of my vision of seeing inside but retaining the feeling of the narrowness of the crevice.

Red Jasper/Flint Setup II

I moved both lights to get this.

Red Jasper/Flint Side View

The crevice is at the apex of the two angles.  The piece is not structurally strong at that point.

I liked the "red smoke" floating inside the almost clear "glass" visible in frames 1 and 3 above.  It really was interesting to me.

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Red Jasper or Flint?

Red Jasper or Flint?

This is another view of the same piece from yesterday.

Red Jasper or Flint

This another feature of the same piece.  Upon viewing this, I decided that I wanted to project light into the crevice. 

Setup For These Two.

I will discuss my efforts tomorrow.

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Red Jasper

Larry Using Hand-lens

I search for my shots of rocks with a hand lens.  I eventually find something interesting.

Red Jasper or Flint

Once I locate an interesting feature, I must decide what lens and accessory combination covers the image I envision.

Red Jasper Setup

I must try to decide what lighting will work best.  I want my vision to be accentuated by the light.

Red Jasper Setup

I think this shot puts the emphasis on the setup rather than the light on the subject of the one above.

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Harvester Ants

P. anzensis

I borrowed Lucas' ant farm the other day which we got him for Christmas.  It has been fun.  I neglected to ask him what kind of ants they were so I had to find out.  I also broke the light on it so I had to search for a part.

These ants probably live in the desert around San Diego, CA where the company which made the ant farm is located.  They forage on seeds, helping seed dispersal.  Predatory wasps, genus Clypeadon, feed on them according to Wikipedia.

P. anzensis

Their mandibles are pretty scarey looking and they have a beard, visible in the first shot better than this one.

P. anzensis

 The farm, purchased at ToysRus, comes filled with a green gel which contains nutrition and hydration for the ants.  They come in a separate shipment and are sealed in the farm for those concerned about their escape.

P. anzensis

I think that my son put all the ants for the twins farms in one container.  They may be over populated but I don't know.  They may be exhibiting cannibalistic behavior.  Again, I am unsure.  It has been fun getting a closer look at them.  I may share more shots later if I get any better ones.

I also thought about buying one of these farms for me.  I could populate it with ants from my front yard.  Maybe I could even find a dominate female.

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