Well it's been a beautiful week so far as the weather is concerned. Lots of blue skies, no rain. And mostly I've missed it.
Not entirely though. On Monday I did get some decent shots of dragonflies. The rest of the week lacked anything quite so spectacular, but the spiders have been cooperative.
On Tuesday, I spotted a pair of them busy making their version of crispy pancake duck out of a crane fly.
Wednesday was back to the garden spiders who were continuing with their mating dance. He didn't seem to fare any better than earlier in the week, but you have to admire his persistence. I've put a longer sequence over on my website.
Wednesday required a trip to London (work) and chance to stop off briefly at Tavistock Square, home to a large number of urban grey squirrels. This one seems to be enjoying a mid-morning snack on a leftover bread roll.
Thursday was quiet, but provided yet more spiders. I'm not sure what this one is, but it's quite a lot smaller than the others I've been photographing.
Friday, was quiet in the day but improved in the evening, with plenty of the pond regulars putting in an appearance, including a young newt…
And numerous frogs…
A splendid example of a house spider (Tegenari) in a more suitable location (i.e. among the ivy in the garden)…
And to cap it all, the nicked-ear vixen showed up and was unexpectedly relaxed. She even sat down for a quick drink from the water bowl.
Camera note: all the photos were taken with the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG macro lens, with the exception of the squirrel which was photographed with the EF70-300mm 4.5-5.6 DO IS lens.
22 Comments
She is the only fox visiting you now?
Darko, yes she's the only one for a few weeks now. This has happened before, and usually at this time of year. Part of this is because the cubs from the spring are looking for new territory, so they start reorganizing themselves as they get ready for winter and for breeding. In the past the dog fox has disappeared for several months before showing up again. They also tend to be moving later at night so even if they are around I see less of them. It's one of the strange aspects of fox behaviour, but I would imagine it will settle down again over the winter. We'll have to see.
That squirrel looks quite…plump 😉
The house spider is great, and good that it isn't in a house :bug: I have a daddy-long-legs spider that lives in a corner of my room; beats the false widow who moved in with me in Canada anyway :eyes:
Foxes in the autumn are always a bit of a headache!
As always, Words, splendid photography! :up:
Cetainly plenty of spiders about, Ive been seeing the 3 species mentioned a lot myself. Its weird seeing a 'house' spider outside though!
Great shots…I especially like seeing the frogs and the wonderful expression on nicked-ear vixen's face. :):up: And I agree…that squirrel looks plump! 😆
Neil, September is certainly a good time for the spiders. We've got a few of the house spiders which have taken up residence in some ivy. Tricky to photograph though as they stay hidden at the back of the webbing most of the time. I was lucky with this one and managed about three shots before she disappeared again.
FB, I liked the way those two frogs were posing. And yes, that's one plump squirrel!
Adele, we tend to put the house spiders outside, though I tend to tolerate one or two in the corner of the room where I've got the computer. It's the 'runners' that are the biggest problem indoors.
Thanks Cynthia!
Beautiful photos as always of the wild life :up:
(except the spider pictures) :yuck: 😀
Wish you a nice sunday! 🙂
Great photos. I very much enjoyed your link to your garden spiders. Very interesting!
Elke, how can you not love the spiders!
Thanks Lois! It was fascinating watching the two of them.
Squirrel is't to cute! :):)
I know, I know… they are good and helpful and all that.
But, with their 8 legs they are quite fast and you never know, which direction they are running. :eyes: :yikes: And I hate spider and spiderwebs in my home. The imagination a spider would run over my arm or foot makes me :yuck: :yuck: :yuck: Noo, it's not fear but an aversion.
Elke, you're not alone. But I agree, they are better not in the house.
Thanks Ze! I love seeing them in the middle of the city like that.
Lovelly photos, hopefully the Spider gets lucky soon!" 😛
Mark, it's gone a bit quiet out there but I think he's still lurking nearby. :bug:
"LOL @ crispy pancake duck" description! Great shots.
Vulpes, well they were so intent on getting the preparations just so!