I decided that this week, for the first week in the “Macro March,” I would use my macro clip to photograph all the budding bushes or trees and attempt to identify them (like a mini-science lesson for myself). It would be a nice way to document the first signs of spring (and bore you all to death with Latin names and such--really get into it— like I was a scientist or something--haha).
On my way up the hill to a bush that every bird in the planet loves (and I have no idea what it is called), I had my macro clip and kit lens ready. My back hill is quite steep, so I needed to check my footing. I looked down, and there was this little snake taking in some of the sun’s rays (blending in the hill so well that when I called others out to have a look, my family thought I was seeing things--that shot is in my 365 album and link is at top of this narrative). I had to abandon the idea of using my macro clip, but as any macro enthusiast knows, some lenses will function in a macro mode (as does my 75-300) lens. I had a nice distance, and I had one lucky shot that had the eye and face in focus!
In this one, I had some more light, but I’ll admit, I put the kit lens (can’t use the zoom with that distance) a bit too close for comfort (used in live view and just kept lowering the camera and using the auto focus).
It’s rather bland, and as you can see in my other shot (notice how light changes things), it has some markings on its back—I just found it's identity: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/stodek.htm. I did not harm it; my husband scooped it and put it over our fence in the back where it might enjoy a more wooded home atmosphere.
So for Macro March, I’m thinking (starting Monday) of a week of budding plants. After that, depending on weather, I’d like a week of bugs, and then a week of structural things, and then I’ll probably change it all again. My goal at the beginning of this year was to learn my lenses well, so this is a good month to use the macro-clip or get real close with the others! Here’s a link to the challenge if anyone’s up for joining in: http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/21294/any-interest-in-a-macro-march
Ooooooo what a fabulous find!So exciting and beautifully photographed.love the curves! He should be hibernating! I am searching through my Audubon reptile book.If I find him I'll bore you with his Latin name! Fav!
@mzzhope Yay! I love my reptile loving friends (they give me the creeps, but I have much more appreciation for them than I ever did), and I would love the Latin and everything! A 365 classroom this month for sure! Thanks for the fav. You are too kind.
@mzzhope WHOA! Bad sentence there. The "they" appears that I mean my reptile loving friends give me the creeps. As an English teacher, I will use this as a teachable moment and say I have a very ambiguous pronoun reference there. Here's the rewrite: I love my reptile loving friends (I can't say I share their love of snakes, but I have much more appreciation of snakes than I ever did before)...
@m9f9l Yes, we scooped him up in a bucket and then popped him over the fence. I haven't properly edited the narratives for each shot. I'm having all kinds of writing problems today!
@darylo That was a good story! I think even copperheads will go the other way given the opportunity. Generally snakes like to avoid confrontation unless cornered or molting!
As longs as a snake isn't poisonous, I find tit a fascinating creature to watch -- that wonderful gliding sort of slither and the beauty of their scales, especially garters with their blue and green iridescent scales. The first time I picked one up I was surprised it was dry -- I expected it to feel slimy for sone reason. How nice for you that spring has come. I think she isn't planning to come this way until her hounds drive Winter away.