Cicadas (View Larger)

Yesterday was extremely hot and humid. Around 40 with Humidity

factored in. Those who had to work in that heat were on my mind. I was

inside when my 'hubby' ran into house, begging me to get my camera to

photograph some bug, or was it a 'tree frog'....whatever....it makes a lot

of noise. Apparently on one of the pickets of our Deck, this strange

insect had decided to take a rest. The sun was so bright many features

were difficult for me to capture. After about an hour with my 'friend' I

managed some shots with half decent detail. For the shot 'facing' me I

was hanging over railing. Shot against the wood, I was on a step ladder,

then Jim put a pail and piece of wood on top of that for me to rest my

wrist and camera....truly I inspire to be a Pro. I don't know whether to

invest in a safety harness or a really good tripod in the near future.

They're not great shots, but thanks for viewing....Gail

To give you an idea of where the Cicada (about 3 inches long) was, I'm inserting a photo of the Deck.  While I was on top of the ladder, with the pail, and block of wood to rest my arm on (my neighbors must have thought me 'daft')...... the Cicada, which in Canada is known as a 'HEAT BUG', started to make it's very loud, characteristic noise. At first I thought there must have been a 'family' of them it was so loud.  If that wasn't enough to 'scare' me into falling, I had just sat my hand and camera on the block of wood to rest, when it decided to fly away. Luckily I had just blinked as it flew into my right eye as it departed, then my hair.  Crazed, I started screaming 'It's in my hair!!!!!  Luckily Jim caught me as I was plummeting downward, trying to reassure me it was long gone! I don't think I'd do well in Tropical Climates where they have really, really big bugs. They are not 'technically' the best shots, but I thought I'd share the bit of detail I managed to capture. Thanks for looking, Gail

Very good shots considering the working-conditions... Very good!

It's not always easy to get the 'special' shots.  But... worth the effort.

Thanks so much for taking the time to take a peek.  It certainly was interesting, at one point, the Cicada travelled inside of the picket, and gave me a bit of a rest.  I think it liked the sound of the shuttter, as it was not scared away that easily.  Many thanks for your support, Gail

You are very kind considering the difficulty I found with the sun.  Sure was interesting, but I must say, I found the heat bothered me later on.  These humid days are a lot to take, but I should not complain, we are very fortunate compared to many places in the world right now.  Tnks for your visit, Gail

Beautiful shots, amazing design, I like it. After all I read, I guess is the "cigara" in Mexico, very noisy by night I can´t sleep, and they are hard to find, when you try to get them they stop noisy.

Believe me you got great shots.

Best regards.

Alberto

Gail,

Very well done................Best Regards

Gail, wonderful rendering with different visual angle & incredible details...lifelike & interesting, I think that they well makes nice story for hot summer:))      Best  regards

Very nice photos and excellent presentation!!! Best regards, George

Una serie de tomas excelentes, con una estupenda luz, tonos y magnifico enfoque, asi como una acertada presentacion. ++

Un cordial saludo -Tolo.

Very nice composition Gail!

Remarkable macro series of great lighting and so well presented, wishing you all of the best my friend.

Excellent page of Sciences. Excellent Work

Great collection of photos!! When they're out you know its gonna be HOT!!

Fantastic , BR

Ali

i don't love the insect ;) but this macro is fantastic!

Some minature monsters there ! Excellent macro work showing excellent detail.

Regards.......John

Gail:  I feel like I'm back in biology class. Well Done!

Thankyou so much for telling me about how this same insect behaves in your part of the world.  I can understand how they keep you awake.  When we have travelled into the Southern US States, South Carolina, Virginia, Often they are 'singing' in the evenings, and in the morning you often find all kinds of them dead in the parking lot.  My appreciaiton for your kind words, of critique.  Cheers Alberto, Gail

Many thanks for taking the time to comment and for your support kawan, most sincerely, Gail

My appreciation Richard for those very kind words of critique.  This afternoon there was another one 'singing' in our big old elm in the back yard.  They certainly are unusual insects. I need to read more on them.  A neighbor told me they live in the ground for 7 or 8 years, and then emerge only to live for a day or so......will have to confirm that, but heightens my curiousity....many thanks for your critique and your support Richard, most sincerely, Gail

Many thanks George for your very kind words of critique.   I do appreciate your time and support, sincerely, Gail

Thanks very much for your lovely word of critique.  I APPRECIATE your time, support and thoughts on my images very much, sincerely, Gail

Nice to hear from you Art.  Many thanks for those kind words of critique. Sincere regards, Gail