This blog post also starts with an apology as these photos are from November 2019 when I was doing some temporary work around Newcastle Airport. I have been busy with a number of other things since then so it took me a while to process all the photographs I had taken. In the past, while I was away for work, when I finished for the day I did not really do much but that November was the first time I was away for work since I took up photography, and I just wanted to go out to shoot photographs. I had taken my Canon EOS 6D Mark II, Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and Canon EF100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM with me for this very purpose. From the first day I was determined to head out to photograph. I was very close to the Tilligerry State Conservation Area but there is no public access allowed so I had to contend with walking around the edge. I ended up finding this creek that ran along the western side and there were no signs saying I could not walk along this creek. That creek was fantastic because I could follow it beside the conservation area and move away from the roads. I also wandered off to other locations, trying different directions to see what I could find. I found a number of different areas like marshy ground or overgrown farm fields. I did not have a car with me so I was limited to moving on foot. Except on the last afternoon when I went with a friend down to Sunset Beach for dinner. I was so happy with all the wildlife I saw and I really missed not having my Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM to get better shots. That said, my lens combination really worked out well and that camera gear sat in a small back pack I could take as cabin luggage on the compact aircraft Fly Pelican used for the Canberra to Newcastle route. I had two weeks of solid photography, by myself, just walking around the area, it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed myself and I hope you enjoy the photographs below.
Three burnt trees on the edge of Tilligerry State Conservation Area
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 200, 70mm, f/16 and 1/60 SEC])
Banksia tree in the conservation area
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/100 SEC])
The creek that formed part of the south-western boundary of Tilligerry State Conservation Area, left-hand bank, and where I spent a lot of time walking beside admiring the wildlife I found along the right-hand bank
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 70mm, f/16 and 1/200 SEC])
The creek widened out towards the east and I loved all the water lilies
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 800, 70mm, f/14 and 1/250 SEC])
I really liked the colours of the lilies
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/10 and 1/1000 SEC])
I also took some shots of the human-made objects I saw, especially where they were being taken over by plants
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 640, 70mm, f/14 and 1/400 SEC])
There was no shortage of overgrown situations
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 70mm, f/14 and 1/160 SEC])
Of things that were no longer serving their purpose
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 70mm, f/16 and 1/250 SEC])
Of things forgotten and abandoned
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 77mm, f/8.0 and 1/1000 SEC])
Some gave me lines to photograph that showed what they once were
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 70mm, f/11 and 1/400 SEC])
Others gave me shapes and colour but let me make up their story for them
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 70mm, f/11 and 1/400 SEC])
There were straight lines and right-angles not found in nature
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 70mm, f/11 and 1/400 SEC])
But nature was doing its best to change that situation
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 800, 70mm, f/20 and 1/160 SEC])
In the second week I went to Sunset Beach in the afternoon and enjoyed some photography there
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 70mm, f/7.1 and 1/800 SEC])
There was this wonderful whale sculpture of an adult and calf
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 70mm, f/7.1 and 1/800 SEC])
I also liked this Pelican statue on the beach
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/10 and 1/200 SEC])
OK, I may have modified this photo, but I did like the sculpture
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/10 and 1/200 SEC])
A sunset over Sunset Beach
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 130mm, f/13 and 1/125 SEC])
Appropriately, the first bird I photographed was the iconic Australian bird, the Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae). This bird was in the Tilligerry State Conservation Area so I had to photograph it from the external fence. The second week, when I was exploring further, I came across three of these birds on some power lines running behind some houses towards the conservation area. I was enjoying photographing these birds so much that I almost missed the rustling of leaves that turned out to be a large Lace Monitor. Fortunately, I was able to take some shots of that impressive lizard that I have included a bit further below.
The first bird I photographed was the iconic Australian Bird, a Laughing Kookaburra
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 200, 200mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
Three Laughing Kookaburras perched on some power lines
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/14 and 1/400 SEC])
One of the three
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/8.0 and 1/800 SEC])
A Noisy Friarbird (Philemon corniculatus) was calling just down from that first kookaburra, also in the conservation area. It was moving along the fringe of the area, probably looking for food. It eventually flew further in to the conservation area. These sinister looking birds are honeyeaters who may have lost the feathers on their heads as a way to avoid contamination from plant pollen but they do not seem to put their heads into any large plants.
Noisy Friarbird calling
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 640, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC])
I saw a few Superb Fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus), including this male, who was on the conservation area side of the creek. This was a great example of how I could stay outside the conservation area but photograph across the creek to capture the wildlife I saw. I saw a male in roughly the same spot a couple of times so I suspect it may have been the same bird. There was also at least one female but the photo I took of her was not very good.
Superb Fairy-wren male near Tilligerry State Conservation Area
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/640 SEC])
There were several Australian Ravens (Corvus coronoides) in this area, and I could hear them calling regularly. Usually when they are around in Canberra they are hounded by Noisy Miners who are scared of these birds predating their nests. I dd not hear any miners here, possibly because the woodland was a little thick and no birds were trying to chase these ravens away. This one was in a tree and not moving as fast as the other birds. It also had its mouth open. possibly cooling off, although it did not feel that warm to me.
Australian Raven
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/320 SEC])
A family of Masked Lapwings (Vanellus miles) were at the southern end of Newcastle Airport, with at least three immature birds. The parents were attentive and I knew when they were around as I could hear the warning call from the parents. I gave them a wide detour because they are very protective during the breeding season. The call is the first indication that you are getting close. The parents will hurry the immature birds to a safe location. One of the adults may feign a wing injury to draw a predator to it, away from the young birds, or it may take to the sky, calling loudly. The bird is now ready to swoop anybody that keeps approaching the nest or young birds, at which time the lapwing will start swooping. The adults also have a spur on their wing they will use to deter people who insist on approaching yet closer, and the birds will draw blood. I recall listening to a podcast about a reasearcher who was looking at their breeding habits and she said she was only struck once by these birds when she went too close. She said that she got used to their calls and actions and knew when she was getting too close, so would withdraw before the lapwings would slash at her with their spurs.
Masked Lapwing adult, with immature birds behind, calling in alert at my presence
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC])
Masked Lapwing adult with the spurs obvious on its folded wings
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/8.0 and 1/500 SEC])
In the marshy areas near the airport carpark there was a family of Purple Swamphens (Porphyrio porphyrio). I saw at least one adult bird and could hear the chicks. The bird seemed accustomed to people being around because it did not appear bothered by my presence. It started in the tall grass, where I could see only its head. The chicks were nearby in that grass from the sound coming from them but I could not see them. The bird made its way to a pond where I got a better look at it. I was really shocked when it showed interest in some plastic wrapping in the water. It picked the wrapping up and shook it but then discarded it again. The bird then slowly returned back into the tall grass towards the noises from the chicks. It kept moving around in the tall grass before it walked up the bank from the marsh area to cross the road into a carpark. I lost sight of it among the parked cars and hoped it was safe from the vehicles that were moving around.
Purple Swamphen peering out from the long grass beside Newcastle Airport entrance
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 640, 200mm, f/14 and 1/400 SEC])
This is the problem of living in close proximity to human activity
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 640, 200mm, f/14 and 1/400 SEC])
I regularly saw a single White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) in a number of different locations not far from each other. While I cannot say for certain that it was the same bird I wondered if it was and I was somehow in its territory. I managed some distance shots while it was in a field near the airport but my best shots were while it was walking along the creek beside the nature reserve. These birds are obviously most suited for finding food in the water but able to adapt to other locations as well.
White-faced Heron walking beside a creek
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC])
The same bird in a tree
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 800, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/500 SEC])
I was surprised to see a number of Welcome Swallows (Hirundo neoxena) flying to what appeared to be a muddy, urban creek at the entrance to the airport with a number of buildings around it. They were gathering mud in their bills to take back to build their nests. I guessed their nests were under the eaves of a building or something similar. Whenever I see swallows doing this I can understand why birds have less taste buds than humans and supposedly a less developed sense of taste. The beak gets used for a number of tasks that would leave a bad taste in the birds mouth. The birds are called ‘welcome’ both in the Latin and their common name as their appearance is seen as welcoming spring.
Welcome Swallow gathering mud probably to build a nest
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
This Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) made my day when I saw it. Birds of prey are always interesting to see and this one was not that shy about me approaching it. Fortunately it was on the lights outside of the main airport fenced area so they were more accessible, allowing me to get closer. It would move lights every now and then, I was not sure if it was because of me or it was scanning the ground before moving forward. It eventually pounced on something in some shrubbery but I was unsighted and the area was behind a fence. I then saw it a little later moving along the lights again, but on the other side of a major road. That was one time I wished I had my larger tele-photo lens with me to zoom in closer to this wonderful bird.
Nankeen Kestrel on the Newcastle Airport approach lights
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 320, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/800 SEC])
There were a number of Blue-faced Honeyeaters (Entomyzon cyanotis) all around. It was hard not to notice them with that incredible blue around the eye. They were everywhere and not just in places with flowers. Some of the birds may have been hunting for insects to feed their chicks, as honeyeaters will feed their chicks insects as a way to give them quick energy.
Blue-faced Honeyeater looking intently from a branch
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 640, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/400 SEC])
A different one getting some nectar
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/640 SEC])
This Great Egret (Ardea modesta) was moving through this overgrown field of grass and the afternoon sun was lighting up everything perfectly. I just loved the pure white of the bird against the dry, yellow field. The egret was slowly making its way through the field and even though I was a distance from the bird I could see it was moving away from me. Eventually it had enough of my efforts to get closer and took off. It circled to the left as it took off before wheeling right to gain attitude above the trees and fly off to some trees in the north. I moved away in the opposite direction, figuring that I had already disturbed it enough. It was a wonderful feeling to watch this bird, really topping off a lovely afternoon. This is Australia’s largest egret with the green around its bill indicating it is a breeding bird.
Great Egret in breeding plumage walking through tall grass
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/640 SEC])
It did not like my attention
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/800 SEC])
There are always Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes (Coracina novaehollandiae) but I like photographing them.
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/640 SEC])
This Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) was sitting on power lines but across the creek in the conservation area. It was not doing much, just perching and waiting.
Sacred Kingfisher on power lines
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/9.0 and 1/800 SEC])
These two Pacific Black Ducks (Anas superciliosa) were swimming on the creek that bordered the conservation area. They appeared to be feeding on the abundant plant matter in the creek.
Pacific Black Ducks in a creek
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 800, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/800 SEC])
While I was trying to photograph the ducks above I kept disturbing another bird, that would burst from the area not far from me to fly off a little way. I could never see it before it took off. This happened several times and I only got this one vert poor shot to confirm that I had seen a Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii). The bird is dead-centre of the photograph with its bill facing to the right.
Latham’s snipe, in the middle of the picture with its head to the right of the small tree
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 800, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/800 SEC])
On the last Friday I was up at Sunset Beach on Soldiers Point to have a dinner. There was a lone Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) swimming in the water. It swam parallel to the beach for a while, then later on, as sunset was really starting it took off and flew over the wharf. I was able to get the shot at the top of the post, which is not great but I was happy enough with it. I also felt that the shots I took at that beach were a great way to finish off what had been two fun weeks of photographing, after I had finished my work of course.
Australian Pelican swimming off Sunset Beach
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/800 SEC])
These two Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) were on the western side of the creek bordering the conservation area. I did not want to disturb them but I had to walk along that way to get back to my accommodation. I could not go right because of the creek nor could I go left because of a fence. I tried to avoid looking at them and walked slowly but they were still spooked. I wished I had my camera ready as the larger kangaroo did a few hops along the top of the sand before turning right and clearing the creak, as well as the fringing vegetation, in one long jump that was not even done at full speed. The poor smaller one had to make do with crashing into the small clump of vegetation out of shot to the left.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo female on the right, with a joey on the left
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/500 SEC])
A Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) was so intent eating the plants beside a track it did not notice my approach along the path. I tried to walk on the grass not the pebbles once I realised that it had not seen me but I knew it would look up eventually because these wallabies are very skittish. When it did notice me, it paused and appeared to consider me for a while before bounding off through the vegetation on the right.
Red-necked Wallaby
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 640, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/320 SEC])
While photographing the three kookaburras above this Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) gave me a surprise. I was very intent on photographing the birds and I could hear some rustling in the leaves on the ground that I assumed was a small bird, or possibly a small reptile. Without even looking, I decided that I would continue taking shots of the kookaburras before seeing what it was. I was very surprised when I saw it was nearly a two metre long Lace Monitor. I think it was also shocked when it saw a human so close. It turned to move off in the opposite direction, while I tried to parallel it. My movement may have made the monitor decide to climb the low fence at the back of a house. I was a little worried as I think those houses were part of a retirement estate and I hoped I was not scaring this large lizard into the backyard of a poor widow. I moved off quickly in the hope the monitor would feel less frightened and may head somewhere else.
Lace Monitor not happy with my attention trying to escape into someone’s backyard
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 113mm, f/6.3 and 1/500 SEC])
This is a Christmas Jewel Spider (Austracantha minax) female but in its melanistic or black form. From what I could read it is not clear why they have no colour. There was theory that it had something to do with environmental factors but there were normally coloured Christmas Jewel Spiders in webs adjacent to this spider in the low vegetation. I saw a number of other melanistic ones in that small area, but, as I said, normal coloured ones as well.
Top view of a female Christmas Jewel Spider melanistic form
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 2000, 100mm, f/5.6 and 1/400 SEC])
Underside view
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 2000, 100mm, f/5.6 and 1/500 SEC])
An Australian Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi) landed on a plant stalk beside the creek and stayed still long enough so that I could get a picture.
Australian Painted Lady
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC])
A very tattered-looking Meadow Argus (Junonia villida) landed on the sand beside the creek. I am used to seeing butterflies with parts of their wings missing but this one seemed to have its fringe well and truly missing. It was enjoying sunning itself and I was able to take a few shots.
A Meadow Argus that looks like it has seen better days
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC])
I missed my chance with this Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). It was on a plant not far from me but as I went to take a shot it flew away. I hoped it was going to land nearby but it went into the middle of a field with long grass. Being warmish weather and in an area that had a lot of bush around it, I thought there may be a good chance of coming across a snake if I walked in for a better shot. I also figured that the butterfly would not stay still while I approached it so I had to contend myself with this distance shot. I am trying to get a photograph of this amazing butterfly as they are one of those iconic insect species. They are famous for their migrations and their mating process, as well as their relatively long life. They are not native to Australia but began appearing here in 1871.
Monarch Butterfly
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 640, 200mm, f/5.6 and 1/250 SEC])
This Common Grass Blue (Zizina labradus) seemed to be taking its life in its hand. It was on a leaf in the area where all the Christmas Jewel Spiders had their webs. I was amazed it was able to fly in, avoiding all the webs. It then fluttered around a number of leaves without getting caught in a web. This was one thrill-seeking butterfly.
Common Grass Blue
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 2000, 100mm, f/5.6 and 1/500 SEC])
A White Antenna Wasp Moth (Amata nigriceps) was also exhibiting life-shortening behaviour, flying through a spider web laced area in the same location as the Christmas Jewel Spiders. In the photograph it seemed to be on a leaf with a spider thread just above its wings. This group of moths use their colour scheme to imitate a wasp in an attempt to protect themselves.
White Antenna Wasp Moth
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 2000, 100mm, f/5.6 and 1/400 SEC])
This Spittle Bug was on the underside of a leaf. They are called spittle bugs because the adult lays its eggs and then encases them in a large globule of spittle. This is thought to protect the eggs and larvae from dehydration and deter parasites.
Spittle Bug
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 2000, 100mm, f/5.6 and 1/125 SEC])
This Common Flatwing (Austroargiolestes icteromelas) was flying up and down the creek before landing on this stem. It would lift off occasionally before repositioning itself. It was only in looking at the photographs later that I realised it was eating a fly. I am not sure what was making the damselfly move off and onto the stem, I wondered if the fly was somehow forcing it off but the photos seemed to show the fly was securely held by the damselfly. The rounded tail ending probably indicates this is a female.
Common Flatwing eating a fly
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC])
A different Common Flatwing
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 1250, 100mm, f/6.3 and 1/640 SEC])
The Aurora Bluetail (Ischnura aurora) is a common damselfly that has a range from Southeast Asia through Australia and into the pacific, although there are apparently DNA differences in those found in Asia and those found in the Pacific. The males are a beautiful damselfly with their different colours, while the females are more subdued.
Aurora Bluetail male
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 1000, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/800 SEC])
The Common Bluetail (Ischnura heterosticta), is, as the name states, common across its range. It is the largest of the three Ischnura in Australia. The male is the bright blue while the female is normally more subdued in her colouration but there is also a blue form of the female.
Common Bluetail on a reed
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/500 SEC])
There were a number of these Wandering Perchers (Diplacodes bipunctata) along this creek, darting all over the place. I was able to get reasonably close to some, even if I had to dip an elbow in some water that did not look too clean.
Wandering Percher above a creek
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/500 SEC])
Possibly a newly emerged Wandering Percher
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/640 SEC])
I am not entirely confident with this identification but I believe the dragonfly below is a newly-emerged Black-faced Percher (Diplacodes melanopsis). At the bottom of the reed it is just possible to make out the nymph skin from which it emerged. The wings are also not yet fully rigid.
Black-faced Percher
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/500 SEC])
This Australian Emerald (Hemicordulia australiae) was darting all over the creek so I was happy I was able to get a photo. I just loved its beautiful, emerald-green eyes. I really increased the ISO in an attempt to ensure my shutter speed was fast enough to capture the insect in flight.
Australian Emerald
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 2000, 200mm, f/5.0 and 1/800 SEC])
I guess this Gumleaf Grasshopper (Goniaea australasiae) was relying on its camouflage to “protect” it from me. I was able to do a lens change and get very close to it without the grasshopper jumping away. I almost walked on it initially, which is how I noticed this leaf that jumped away from my foot.
Gumleaf Grasshopper
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 1250, 100mm, f/6.3 and 1/160 SEC])
I saw this Soldier Fly hiding among the reeds in the creek. I was just able to get the right angle for the photograph. I believe it is the Green Soldier Fly but I could not find out too much about it.
A Soldier Fly among the reeds
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 500, 200mm, f/6.3 and 1/500 SEC])