The asters are blooming in our front field and the bees and flies are enjoying them. Catching these quick flying guys is a challenge!
Nikon D600, Sigma 105mm macro lens, ISO 800, f/4.2, 1/4000″ exposure.
This giant sugar maple has lived a long life in the woods near our house. It’s a favorite of mine, and I greet it almost every day as I run through the woods—”Good morning grandfather.” I’d guess it’s around 200 years old. Most of the land in our area has been clear-cut at least twice since Colonial times, and the majority of the bigger trees around us are no older than 60 or 70 years old. The term “witness tree” is used in these parts to describe trees that a farmer would leave standing to help define his property line (note the stone wall in the foreground). There were several such witness trees along this property line, most having given way to gravity and crashed to the ground. This one remains though it’s shedding branches and it’s only a matter of time before it too succumbs.
Nikon D600, Nikon 18-35mm lens @ 18mm, ISO 1250, f/16, 1/25″ exposure.
There are several varieties of goldenrod native to our area. This, I think, is Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora), as smaller, more compact variety that blooms in fields and open woods.
Nikon D600, Sigma 105mm macro, ISO 1250, f/8, 1/250″ exposure.
As the sun rose above the trees this morning, shafts of light cut through the knife-thick humid air above Fargo Brook.
Nikon D600, Nikon 24-120mm lens @ 35mm, ISO 800, f/8, 1/160″ exposure.
Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana) is a vine that grows in open fields and forest fringes. Its feathery petals are unusual and wonderfully delicate. Can you spot the hidden yellow crab spider?
Nikon D600, Nikon 24-120mm lens @ 120mm, ISO 1250, f/4, 1/640″ exposure
Maidenhair fern grows in mature hardwood forests here in Vermont, especially where lime rich soils exist. There’s one spot on a favorite trail up in the woods behind our house where they grow, and a nearby rocky outcrop of gneisses and limestone are probably the reason why. I love the gentle curving pattern of these ferns and the delicacy of their fronds. This one is showing a bit of chill damage as the temps have been dipping into the mid 30s on recent nights.
Nikon D600, Nikon 50mm lens, ISO 1250, f/1.8, 1/400″ exposure
I spend a lot of time doing macro photography. Consequently, I’m often wandering through the woods and fields with my eyes on the ground seeking out the small and hidden. Sometimes it’s good to look up. This shot was taken right above where I took yesterday’s shot of the Sisyphian mushroom.
Nikon D600, Nikon 18-35mm lens @ 18mm, ISO 1250, f/22, 1/50″ exposure.
This tiny mushroom seems to be pushing a small stone uphill like Sisyphus, the ancient Greek prince.
Nikon D600, Sigma 105mm macro, ISO 1250, f/6.3, 1/13″ exposure.
This garden spider was waiting patiently in her web yesterday morning as the morning sun was just beginning to lift through the trees to the east. Sorry for the cross-post for those of you who visit my East Street Weather Blog, but I really like this shot and wanted to share it.
Nikon D600, Nikon 50mm lens, ISO 100, f/1.8, 1/4000″ exposure.
John Hadden Photography 