Foxgloves on the old road

Some people — particularly those to whom every blade of grass represents potential profit — consider foxgloves a weed. When they're flowering, though, they're undeniably striking, and the bumblebees love them. The old road cutting at the front of the terrace seems to be a favoured place for foxgloves and they've been flowering profusely. Now, however, the final flowers hang high up on the long stalks, and I imagine the last of the flowers will fall over the next week. The place will be a little duller without them.


[29 November 2013, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 12-40 mm f2.8 at  12 mm, ISO 400, 1/1250 at f5.6]

All content © 2013 Pete McGregor

Harvestman among the lichen

Look hard at the small things and you'll find another world. This harvestman was resting in the miniature jungle of lichens encrusting an old fence batten. I'm glad these arachnids aren't the size of rottweilers.

[25 November 2013, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 60 mm f2.8 Macro , ISO 250, 1/160 at f5.6]

All content © 2013 Pete McGregor

Mayfly (Coloburiscus humeralis?)

Last night was one of the warmest we've had this spring, and by the time I'd started to think about going to bed the kitchen windows were covered in insects (mostly moths) trying to reach the light. But moths weren't the only insects attracted to the light. This morning I found this gorgeous mayfly on the verandah rail. I'm fairly confident this is Coloburiscus humeralis, but if you think this is wrong, please let me know.


[24 November 2013, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 60 mm f2.8 Macro , ISO 200, 1/10 at f11]

All content © 2013 Pete McGregor

Hare, No. 1 Line

As I drove back down the No. 1 Line road I noticed a hare feeding on the far side of a small gully. I stopped the car, picked up the camera, and wound down the window. Fortunately, I had the telephoto zoom mounted, but I've still had to crop this substantially.

Notice the split ear. I could guess at the cause, but I'd probably be wrong.


[17 November 2013, Panasonic Lumix GH1, 100–300 mm at 300 mm, ISO 400, 1/400 at f8]

All content © 2013 Pete McGregor

Hound's tongue, No. 1 Line

Kōwaowao (hound's tongue fern; Microsorum pustulatum) grows in profusion at the start of the No. 1 Line track and has a knack of catching the light in a way that makes attempting a photograph almost irresistible. I didn't put up much of a struggle this afternoon.

[17 November 2013, Panasonic Lumix GH1, 100–300 mm at 100 mm, ISO 200, 1/200 at f4]

All content © 2013 Pete McGregor

Ti kouka flowering

I love this time of year — the days lengthening and warming; birds fledging; the ti kouka and so many other native plants flowering.


[3 November 2013, Panasonic Lumix GH1, 100–300 mm at 100 mm, ISO 200, 1/60 at f8]

All content © 2013 Pete McGregor