In this week’s photograph you get four for the price of one.
Four shots of the same tiny insect. It was probably a member of the Braconidae, possibly Apanteles glomeratus or as the body looks “waisted” one of the Ichneumonidae. Head and body about the size of a British black ant (so around 4-5mm?). Antennae and ovipositor are each roughly the same length as the body. Legs definitely reddish. It liked walking about (it was quick too) making it quite a challenge to photograph.
Click the image for larhger views on Flickr Ichneumon Fly? Greenford; July 2009
This week a photograph from the archives; it was taken in October 2011.
I see a Green Woodpecker going through the garden a couple of time most years. But this guy (yes, probably male) was on our next door neighbour’s lawn and back then this was the third or fourth time I’d seen him visiting over a period of 2-3 weeks. One day I watched him for 45 minutes, quartering the same area repeatedly, so it must be very rich in ants. Taken at a range of 20-25 yards from the study window with my biggest lens and still this is a small crop from the middle of a frame.
Click the image for larger views on Flickr Green Woodpecker Greenford, October 2011
This week’s photo was taken last October when Noreen and I travelled on the paddle-steamer Waverley from London (Tower Pier) to Southend. This guy was one of the passengers. He was totally oblivious to me sitting on deck less than 10 feet away taking his photo. I don’t know how he was warm enough in just a t-short at 9AM on a cold foggy morning. I ask you, what does he look like?!
Click the image for a larger view Plonker River Thames, October 2013
This week’s photograph was taken last summer while sitting outside a pub in London’s Covent Garden. The guy spend quite some minutes ferreting around his pockets while making mobile phone calls, it appeared all in aid of paying for parking his motorbike. It was street performance at it’s best — completely impromptu!
Click the image for larger views on Flickr Contortionist Covent Garden; August 2013
This week, just a little reminder that Spring is on the way despite the current gloomy wet weather we’re having in the UK. No story, just a nice photo.
Click the image for larger views on Flickr Reed Kew Gardens, June 2008
Another instalment in our very occasional series documenting some of the underbelly of Britain. Britain which we wouldn’t like visitors to see and which we wish wasn’t there. The trash, abused, decaying, destitute and otherwise buggered parts of our environment. Those parts which symbolise the current economic malaise; parts which, were the country flourishing, wouldn’t be there, would be better cared for, or made less inconvenient.
This magnificent frontage is not far from where I live; I spotted it earlier this week. What you cannot see is that the “stonework” is actually some very badly finished concrete and that the sides of the mini-porch-let are scrofulous wood in the same style as the tympanum. The door is a disgrace and the whole was just set off by the dying Christmas tree and recycling bags & bins. Seldom have I seen such awful construction.
This week I think it’s about time we had another round of pussy porn. So here are a few more recent shots of Tilly, who has now grown into a lovely small cat.
First up, here she is guarding my desk over Christmas to ensure that no work is done.
Slick any of the images for larger views on Flickr Desk Guard December 2013, Greenford
And now two from this weekend. While enjoying a patch of sunshine on my desk (I swear that cats are solar powered!) Tilly decide it was time for a wash and brush up.
You Wanted Me for Something? January 2014, Greenford My these paws do taste good! January 2014, Greenford
You would never think from these demure poses that she was an absolute little varmint! She’ll take almost anything she can carry as contraband to spear around the house; she specialises in pieces of paper, socks and her fish supper.
A photograph this week to cheer us all up on this miserable, grey, wet ad windy almost-last-day of the year. This red rose was taken (rather longer ago than I thought!) at Kew Gardens — worth a visit at any time of year, but especially when the roses are at their best in late-May/early-June.
Click the image for larger views on Flickr Red Rose 3 Kew Gardens; June 2008
An Advent Calendar
Some of Favourite Images from Other Photographers on Flickr. Happy Christmas
and a Prosperous 2014
Click the image for larger views on Flickr and details of the photographer
Note that these images are not mine and are copyright the original photographer who may be identified by following the link to Flickr
An Advent Calendar
Some of Favourite Images from Other Photographers on Flickr.
Click the image for larger views on Flickr and details of the photographer
Note that these images are not mine and are copyright the original photographer who may be identified by following the link to Flickr
Eccentric looks at life through the thoughts of a retired working thinker
