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Possibly a Ruby Meadowhawk, read why


Possibly a Ruby Meadowhawk, read why
Photo Information
Copyright: Mike Hodgson (Fisher) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1540 W: 309 N: 2234] (8915)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-06-29
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon 20D, Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L USM
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/400 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-06-30 10:51
Viewed: 1060
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 34
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Here's one Odonata that is arguably the most difficult to identify. Not only one, but three.
The Ruby Meadowkawk, The Cherry-faced Meadowhawk and the White-faced Meadowhawk. Here's why.

The immature males and the mature females of these odonata of the three species are so alike that one cannot tell what it is until it reaches maturity.
So, is it an immature male or is it a female of the three species mentioned, who the hell knows. That's the arguement in North America amongst serious odonata dedicated diehards.
Just for fun when you have the time, google Ruby meadowhawk, you'll see many miss identifications of mature ones which you'll see it maybe a cherryfaced or easily be a whitefaced, that's the mature ones.

Again, as for identifying this one as a ruby or white-faced or Cherry-faced, I would be a fool, unless I had a microscope and was to inspect the sexual area/prongs on the posterior.
Don't Identify it. LOL
On Manitoulin, both the Cherry-faced and White-faced exist. However, having said that, I'm 80 percent sure I saw a mature male Ruby last year. Yes, I'm on a quest to prove it. Last year, I only saw one male amongst very many immature or females.
These odonata are low in the grass to my height. They don't move around much like other odonata and are easily approachable.

Howard, if you are reading this, guess what?, I finaly used my tripod. I'm now convinced it is a very handy tool to capture insects. The clarity is so much better. For me, it so cumbersome, but, I realize it is very important. As I'm catching up to all you young fellas, I'm not so sturdy anymore, an extra pair of legs sure helps. LOL

Thanks for looking

Someone asked how I liked the extension tube with the 70-200mmF/2.8 L
Does the results answer the question. ;)

Mike
ellis49, elefantino, lovenature, mbasil, Janice, Dando, CTP, marhowie, jeanpaul, scottevers7, dew77, firelord, SkyF has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To scottevers7: Hi ScottFisher 1 07-01 18:10
To marhowie: Hi HowardFisher 1 07-01 08:51
To mbasil: Hi MikeFisher 3 06-30 20:24
To ellis49: Hi GertFisher 1 06-30 11:58
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Mike,
this is great both the picture and that you use a triod, welcome in the "tripod club".
The POV and pose are very good. Nice colours and good details vhere it counts. I like the shallow DOF.
Excellent work, my friend.
Do you like the tubes?;-)))

Hi Mike, nice macro!
Great details on the eye and colors.
Good BG,

Andrea

Hello Mike
Awesome macro! The colours and detail are wonderful. The tripod does work well ;) I'm going to have to get one myself soon. Interesting notes. TFS Janice

Nicely captured, Mike. The angle is a bit unusual, but I like it a lot (maybe even better than a more traditional side angle). But. like ellis49 points out, it does make the DoF factor come into play, though I think it's kind of interesting the way the head and wingfront is in focus and there is a successive blur for the back, too.

Mike

P.S. Thanks for talking up the extension tube. I was on the fence, but it looks like I'll have to be forking over some more money now!

As for the low tech equipment (tripod), they work well for landscapes and dead or slow bugs. But try that with a bee! I was in the garden for hours last month waiting for a bee to light on the right flower in the right place. I ended up handholding and following the darn bees around.

Hello Mike,
Very nice close-up. I like the composition and colors very much. Excellent POV and nice details. Thanks for sharing!

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
  • [2006-06-30 15:48]

Whatever one it is Mike, you have taken a marvellous portrait of it. Awesome closeness and sharpness. You should be pleased with this one!
And ditto on the tripod! I am thinking about an extension tube - one day!
Janice

  • Great 
  • Dando Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 637 W: 32 N: 792] (3084)
  • [2006-06-30 19:05]

Hi Mike,
Excellent macro. Great lighting, outstanding colours and details. Also good POV, shallow DOF and very well composed. Well done and TFS.
Dean.

  • Great 
  • CTP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 647 W: 6 N: 1106] (3191)
  • [2006-06-30 23:09]

Hi Mike,
Excellent Dragonfly close-up.
His face/head details especially mouth area amazing,Well Captured:)
Excellent pov,dof,focus,sharpness,colors,blurred bg,frame and note.TFS
Chris

Very nice portrait Mike..
Well done on the composition and details.
Excellent POV, color and light, luv those eyes. I like the bold frame as well.
Very well done.
PS - Young fellas? Surely you jest ;)
But alas, age is just a number, and you're only as old as you feel..right? :)

Bonjour Mike
C'est une excellent Close up de cette tête de libellule! La composition très jolie avec de belles couleurs, grande acuité et détails. Merci pour le partage .
Au revoir et merci ....JP

Hi Mike,
This is a superb shot. I think the POV from almost head on is what makes it so great. Colors and detail look excellent. I was the one asking about the extension tubes. I bought a set of Kenko tubes. I just find that it really cuts down alot of light and DOF. I know every shot will have to be on a tripod if I use them. When done right (like this) It looks amazing.
Scott

  • Great 
  • Graal Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 755 W: 31 N: 20] (5032)
  • [2006-07-02 4:51]

Hi Mike,
great macro, excellent DOF and colours. I like it. Good work.
Rgs, Aleksander

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4774 W: 294 N: 4020] (13209)
  • [2006-07-02 14:27]

Hello Mike,
Excellent close up.I liked POV,DOF you managed,colors,details and composition a lot.
TFS..:-)

  • Great 
  • carper Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2009 W: 122 N: 2581] (8424)
  • [2006-07-02 14:35]

Well Mike I love it
you know why because it's a good one, the quality is high, the pov is good the crop is well made well done Mike.
gr. jaap

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2233 W: 188 N: 1929] (8127)
  • [2006-07-04 20:52]

Hi Mike,
great macro. Superp DOF and excellent POV. Sharpness, colors and details are great.
TFS..Sky

Hi Mike Excellent detaisl, Bg, POV DOF Perfect colors Great work, TFS Kyle

  • Great 
  • Hil Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 705 W: 13 N: 1405] (5027)
  • [2006-07-20 18:17]

Hi Mike,
Excellent Macro shot, I love the sharpness and the vibrant colours, nicly framed too.

TFS Hilary

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