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Bob Cammarata
I am a Maryland photographer who specializes in nature in all its forms.
For as long as I can remember, my love for the outdoors has inspired me to capture Nature's beauty and intrigue.
My primary interests photographically, involve traveling the country, and getting up close and personal with subjects in nature. My travels have taken me to every corner of the U.S. and parts of Canada, but the majority of my photography occurs less than a tank of gas away.
I am an active contributor to Flickr, Bugguide, Moth Photographer's Group, Maryland Biodiversity Project, and other popular wildlife and photography websites.
My photos and articles have been published in books, magazines, business and travel brochures, and many of my landscape photos have been sold as fine art prints.
My photo "Living on the Edge" achieved global acclaim at the 2014 Photokina Expo in Cologne, Germany.
This Blog was created to share some of my knowledge, exploits and adventures while striving to obtain that "perfect photo".
The title for this Blog, "Things That Don't Shoot Back", is kind of an inside joke on myself. It refers to my usual response when asked why I never shoot people. MY ARTICLES: Also, as seen on the blog "IN RELENTLESS PURSUIT" Bat Cave Chronicles Next Stop...OZ On Snake Mountain Fish Tales (Part 1) Fish Tales (Part 2) My Books: CONFESSIONS OF A FREE STATE ANGLER THE BOOK OF CATERPILLARS |
Sunday, August 30, 2020
My Bio
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Sunrise at Sideling Hill
Waking
up early is less a chore when justified by reward.
This latest edition of my Photographing Maryland Series requires you to get up early. The Free State has many scenic locations to photograph the sunrise, but this journey takes us to one of my favorite morning spots. The nearly two-hour drive to get there requires an early start. Thankfully, I've always been a morning person.
I hope you enjoy this latest post. Please leave a comment at the bottom if you like what you see.
The 4:00
AM alarm never has a chance to go off because I’m already awake and fraught
with anticipation. I roll out of bed and get quickly dressed because this day
has special purpose. I’m headed west toward Sideling Hill in the mountains of
Western Maryland to photograph the sunrise.
It’s a cool, crisp summer morning as I steer my car through the darkness and onto the interstate. The tunes are blasting, and the volume within my coffee mug is rapidly diminishing as the miles race by.
On this
trip, there will be no stopping for breakfast. Time will be allotted for that
later. It’s a game of Beat the Clock. Getting to the Sideling Hill Overlook early
enough to set up my camera gear before the sun peaks over the eastern horizon
is my only mission.
I’ve
made this I-#70 run west through Maryland many times before so it’s easy to track
my travel timeline. I pass through Carroll County, past Frederick, then
Hagerstown. Before long, Hancock is in my rear-view mirror. I approach the
I-#68 interchange and quickly consume the final 6-mile leg of the journey. The
travel gods have been kind and I arrive at the Sideling Hill Overlook parking
area with plenty of time to spare.
These morning
trips are a crapshoot, since sunrises are not created equally. There were times
when I’ve made this same journey only to be met with overcast skies, heavy fog,
or that one pesky cloud which creeps in and seems intent upon hanging around
long enough to end up directly in the path of the rising sun.
Today
seems promising though. It’s late August. The early twilight is free from
discernable cloud cover. A heavy haze blanketing the distant horizon is a mixed
blessing. The mountain folds and layers will be less defined, but when the sun
rises, it should be a “red rubber ball”, naturally diffused by haze.
I
quickly unpack my gear and set up on a grassy knoll facing east. From this
vantage point, there is an unobstructed view of the mountainous landscape to
the east. Blustery conditions typical for this altitude necessitates that my two
tripods need to be anchored firmly. A picnic table conveniently positioned
nearby houses my array of lenses and other gear.
At this
Sideling Hill location, my strategy is the always the same. Four separate
lenses are utilized. A 50 mm lens offers a naked-eye view of the distant
landscape, while 100 mm, 180 mm, and 300 mm telephoto lenses pull in specific
portions of the landscape in varying degrees of perspective. (My wide-angle
lenses remain in the car.)
With
the time of sunrise nearly a half-hour away, there’s plenty of opportunity to
ensure that my camera settings are true. A low-ISO setting reduces noise during
early light. An Exposure Delay Mode flips up the mirror a few second before the
shutter for vibration-free exposures. The morning light is cool, so a white
balance setting of 6600K warms things up. I practice by shooting the twilight
as an amber glow begins to paint the distant sky. It’s a waiting game, while periodic
switching of lenses and direction creates dynamic.
Then it
happens. The first glimpse of a bright red sun peeks over the horizon. This is
the time to shoot quickly. I switch to my 300 mm lens, select an aperture in
the middle-range and start firing. As anticipated, the haze obscures the
harshness of the sun. I’m able to shoot directly toward the rising red ball
without any visible flares, aberrations or artifacts. I keep my exposure times short to ensure that my rising sun remains round.
As the
sun ascends higher, the distant skies intensify from red to orange as the
foreground mountainscape comes to life. I quickly switch to my shorter lenses
to portray the sunrise within more of the surrounding landscape. As a thin
cloud begins to block the path of the sun, I switch back to the 300 mm…hoping
for a chance to capture sun rays from above and below the cloud. In the hazy
atmosphere, the early sun is not yet bright enough to create rays. It’s
disappointing but appears dramatic as it is.
Before long, the brightness of the sun intensifies from orange to yellow. The brief window of opportunity to include the sun in the frame has come to an end. My concentration is re-directed toward photographing the surrounding landscape to the left and right of the sun’s path. I focus upon the layered folds of distant peaks. In the valleys below, a dense fog of heavy haze smothers the lowland like a woolen blanket. I compose and shoot quickly, knowing the brief period of magic light will end as quickly as it began.
As mentioned earlier, timing is critical. It’s wise to arrive at the Sideling Hill Overlook a half-hour before the scheduled sunrise. The parking area is located at the summit and is only accessible when driving from east to west on I #68. (East-bound travelers need to cross the summit and continue down the other side of the mountain to Exit #77…then turn around to head west.)
Here are a few photos taken from the Sideling Hill Overlook:
© Bob Cammarata 2020
bobcammarata.blogspot.com
(All photography by author)
No portion of this material may be copied or used without permission
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Falling Waters
This
edition of my Photographing Maryland series will highlight one of the many
scenic opportunities available to the Free State outdoor photographer. On this
trip, we’ll travel throughout the state and explore some of the beautiful
waterfalls Maryland has to offer. We’ll detail specific directions to some of our
popular “named” falls and offer advice on capturing these liquid assets in all
their glory. If we’re lucky, we may even get our feet wet!
I
hope you enjoy this edition of the series. Please leave a comment if you like
what you see.
You
can use the links at the bottom of my Bio Page to access my other posts.
Who doesn't love a waterfall?
Thankfully, outdoor photographers from Maryland and surrounding states need not travel far to find one. Of all of the falls within driving distance of most Maryland residents, Great Falls on the Potomac River is the most spectacular.
Geographically, this scenic stretch of the Potomac rests fourteen miles upriver from Washington DC, and is equally shared by Maryland and the state of Virginia.
With a drainage of over 14,000 square miles, it is here at Great Falls that the mighty Potomac cascades over precipices of house-sized boulders and ancient bedrock toward its final resting place in the Chesapeake Bay.
For the first time visitor, the Virginia side offers the easiest access to the most picturesque overlooks.
While on the Virginia side, be sure to look for the Man in the Falls. With a telephoto lens, you can see him sleeping far off in the distance. He's lying "face-up" within the rapids...visible from Overlook #2 and #3, but only when the water level is just right.
As a year-round destination, a winter trip to Great Falls can be a rewarding experience. The interplay of ice, snow, and falling water can be quite photogenic. (Be sure to pack those hand warmers.)
The Maryland side of the river offers an entirely different visual perspective of Great Falls, but it involves a hike with your gear along the C&O Canal Trail, then across a boardwalk spanning Olmsted Island. When the light is right, there are scenic opportunities along the boardwalk as you make your way toward the Maryland side of the Falls overlook.
The National Park Service maintains both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the river. A daily (or yearly) pass, purchased at either entrance, allows access to public areas on both sides of the river.
Directions
Virginia Side:
I-495 to Exit #44 Georgetown Pike West
In 4 miles, turn right onto Old Dominion Drive
1.1 miles to park entrance
Maryland Side
I-495 to Exit #41 Clara Barton Parkway/MacArthur Blvd.
Stay on MacArthur Blvd 4 miles to park entrance
Muddy Creek Falls is Maryland's highest single-drop waterfall. Beginning many miles upstream in Cranesville Swamp, Muddy Creek meanders through mountainous countryside toward this precipitous drop of 53 feet, a short distance upstream from the creek's confluence with the Youghiogheny River.
This photogenic waterfall lies within Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County, where many other scenic opportunities await.
Winters in this far-western region of the state are typically harsh and unforgiving, as pictured in the photo above...when sub-zero temperatures transformed the falls into a dramatic monolith of ice.
By contrast, I've included the previous shot the same waterfall, photographed in January of 2017, when 70 degree temperatures had us in short sleeves!
It's wise to check the weather forecast in advance when planning a winter trip to Swallow Falls State Park.
Mild temperatures are rare exceptions to the norm.
A short hike downstream from Muddy Creek, a scenic wooded trail parallels the Youghiogheny River, where several picturesque waterfalls can be found.
Swallow Falls had its name derived from the abundance of swallows that nest within the rocky outcroppings along the banks of the river. During high water conditions, whitewater enthusiasts travel from near and far to challenge its waters. The park is open year-round, but harsh weather may necessitate road closures during the winter months. Check local conditions for viability before traveling to Maryland's western counties.
Directions to Swallow Falls State Park:
From I-68, take Exit 14-A to #219 South
Past Deep Creek Lake, make a right onto Mayhew Inn Road
In 4.3 miles, bear left onto Oakland Sang Run Road
Take the first right onto Swallow Falls Road
Cross over the Youghiogheny River, then take the first right onto Maple Glade Road
Follow the road to the park entrance.
An entrance fee of $3:00 ($5:00 for non-residents) is required.
Northern Harford County seems an inappropriate location for Maryland's second highest waterfall.
A 17 foot vertical drop plummets over erosion-resistant Prettyboy Schist to create Kilgore Falls, a spectacle that rivals the waterfalls found within the far western reaches of our state.
Kilgore Falls once rested on private land, where it remained relatively unknown. In 1993, the adjacent land was acquired by the Maryland Parks Service and opened to the public. The Parks Service maintains a limited parking area which allows access to a 1.3 mile trail leading to the falls. To minimize impact on a fragile ecosystem, parking is closely monitored and limited to only 28 vehicles at any given time. During peak times a backup plan is advised, since the lot fills quickly.
Directions to Kilgore Falls:
I-95 north to Route 24 north exit.
Continue on Route 24 past the main portion of Rocks State Park for four miles.
After crossing Route 165, turn left on St. Mary's Road then right onto Falling
Branch Road.
Proceed to the parking area on the right.
Parking lot address...1026 Falling Branch Road, Pylesville, MD 21132.
Cascade Falls
In the Avalon area of Patapsco State Park a small tributary cascades through a series of vociferous rapids and vertical drops toward its confluence with the Patapsco River. The Avalon portion of the State Park is in close proximity to Baltimore City and surrounding suburbs so it attracts many visitors.
On weekends, a long line will form at the park's entrance gate...which opens at 9:00 AM.
Weekdays, and off-season visits are recommended to avoid the crowds. A spacious parking lot allows access to the Cascade Trail which leads to the falls.
For the best views visit the falls after a heavy rain in autumn, when the foliage is at its peak.
Directions to Cascade Falls:
Take I-95 to I-195 South to Exit 3 ( Rt #1, Washington Blvd.)
Make a right onto Washington Blvd.
Take the first right onto South Street
Take the first left onto Park Entrance Drive
Make a left on Gun Road...then right on River Road
Follow River Road for 1.8 miles to parking area on left.
Nestled within the vast, primitive wilderness of the Potomac State Forest in Garrett County, Lostland Run tumbles and churns over ancient bedrock toward its confluence with the North Branch of the Potomac River.
Several picturesque waterfalls can be found along its route.
A lime-dosing station on Lostland Run near the Potomac helps neutralize acidity caused by decades of coal mining in the surrounding watershed.
Several rare and exotic species have been found in this remote region of the state including the Hellbender (...the third largest aquatic salamander species in the world.), and Coal Skinks.
During the summer months, Pipevine Swallowtails seek nectar from flowering shrubs along the river's edge.
Directions to Lostland Run:
Take I-68 to Exit 22 (Rt. #219 South)
Turn left on New Germany Road...through Savage River Forest
Turn left onto MD #495 South (Bittinger Rd.)
At Swanton...turn right to stay on MD #495 (...changes to #135 Maryland Highway)
Turn left onto Edgewood Drive, to Deer Park
Turn left onto Boiling Spring Road (Main Street)
(...changes to Upperman Road...changes to Potomac Camp Road)
Make a hard left onto Lostland Run Run.
Several pull offs along the road allow access to picturesque areas Lostland Run. There is a parking area at the end of the road where Lostland Run adjoins the North Branch of the Potomac.
Shooting the Falls
There are many different ways to photograph moving water. A fast shutter speed will freeze the action, a really slow shutter will create a smoky effect, and something in between will record the motion of the water while maintaining some of its structure and detail.
The human eye and brain are programmed to interpret motion equivalent to @ 1/60 of a second. With that in mind, it would seem logical that any shutter speed slower than 1/60 sec. would display at least some blurred motion.
Longer shutter speeds create the most pronounced effect of blur. A low ISO setting and small aperture are beneficial to increasing the length of shutter speeds. Photographers often attach neutral-density or polarizing filters onto their lenses to further increase the time that their shutters can remain open.
The most optimal conditions occur early in the morning (pre-dawn) or after sunset, when the light is low and the winds are calm. Filter-free, multi-second shutter speeds are easily attained during low-light conditions. Overcast days are also great times to photograph waterfalls.
Composition and balance are matters of personal preference. Ideally, the falls or rapids should constitute approximately 1/3 of the overall scene. The surrounding landscape should be complimentary and not distracting.
A wide-angle lens, coupled with a strong foreground element, produces visually powerful imagery...particularly when working with small waterfalls on tiny creeks.
If the sky is gray and featureless, The camera angle should be tilted down to totally exclude the sky from the composition.
Errant debris, such as dead branches, can be removed ("landscaped") from the scene, or the camera angle can be re-positioned to crop them out of the frame.
White balance settings are determined by ambient light. Overcast days require a WB setting @ 6200-6600K. Deep shade is much cooler and requires 7100K or higher to keep the water from rendering too blue. 5200K will handle sunlit falls.
Mixed-lighting (sunlight and deep shade in the same frame) can be more tricky to balance effectively. With a daylight setting (5000-5200K), the sunlit portions of the frame will appear normal while the shaded parts will be blue. If this effect is undesirable, a boost of the WB to 5800-6000K will balance the two extremes into a more tolerant, median level.
These harsh, sunny conditions are also prime candidates for black and white conversions.
Accurate metering is critical. Bright spots on frothy rapids can tolerate no more than 1/2 stop of overexposure without completely blowing out. A long shutter speed exacerbates this problem, in that an overexposed portion of bright light bleeds into surrounding pixels to create an unattractive, blown out glob that cannot be corrected with software.
It's wise to set the exposure as slightly under-cooked...then bracket over and under in 1/2 stop increments.
© Bob Cammarata 2018
bobcammarata.blogspot.com
(All photography by author)
No portion of this material may be copied or used without permission
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Catoctin Mountain Bug Safari
As promised, in this chapter of my Photographing Maryland Series, we're headed toward the mountains....beginning in Frederick County.
Future chapters will explore the highlands further west, but first...
...we're going on a bug hunt!
Catoctin Mountain Bug Safari
September 13, 2015
What would happen if an experienced group of naturalists and nature photographers were to assemble their gear and acquired prowess and descend deep into the woods of Western Maryland with one common mission in mind…to locate, identify, and photograph as many living insect species as they could find in a single day?
This is the question I asked myself.
It was a question which begged to be answered, so the concept of organizing a late summer Bug Safari evolved into fruition.
A date was chosen, a venue was selected, and the arduous task of choosing an apposite team of participants began.
The choice of the Safari location was the easy part.
The Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County Maryland are locally renown for miles of crystalline creeks and scenic vistas, but surprisingly few documentary accounts explore the diversities of life which abound during the late summer months.
Before we meet our Bug Safari team, I’d like to offer a brief prologue into a few of the photographic opportunities available within the Catoctin Region.
Maryland photographers can consider the remote wilds encompassing this region of Frederick County as a year-round destination.
In winter, photographers willing to brave the harsh elements and slippery roads within the Catoctin Mountains are amply rewarded. Her creeks and tumbling rapids are transformed into dramatic pageants of snow and ice.
As winter’s ice and snow eventually melt into spring. Wildflowers are in bloom, and the creatures of the forest awaken.
During early summer, an explosion of life begins as countless species of butterflies and moths plant their seeds upon tender green leaves.
Their larvae hatch, and begin gorging...
During the hot mid-summer, the caterpillars grow quickly. By late August and early September, most species have attained maximum growth and are easy to find.
...and then, PRIME TIME ARRIVES!
It’s no secret that the September 13th Bug Safari date corresponded with peak caterpillar season in the Catoctins.
..and in all of my years exploring the local woods, there are few places in Maryland where such a diversity and abundance of caterpillars exist.
The Bug Safari's mission was to find them!
From left to right:
BILL VANKO and I have shared many local adventures together…both here in the Catoctins, and at other Maryland wildlife hotspots. An accomplished nature photographer, Bill is at home in the woods as he is at the WBAL studios, where he recounts the news of the day to the Baltimore masses.
Be sure to look for his perennial Wildlife Calendar…a popular favorite among nature lovers. The 2016 edition should be hot off the presses soon!
You can order yours at Bill's Website.
BOB CAMMARATA (yours truly)
My passion for nature and adventure has led me to every corner of the U.S. and beyond. I’ve traveled from the rugged peaks of Katahdin in northern Maine to the Florida Everglades…from the fertile banks of Northern Superior to the Rio Grande…and from the wilds of Yellowstone and Glacier NP to the arid vastness of the Desert Southwest.
Ironically, most of my favorite photography destinations are right here in Maryland!
My only regret, is that I’m running out of new places to explore.
BONNIE OTT’s diverse catalog of wildlife photographs is truly legendary! Her photos have been featured on so many wildlife websites that it’s difficult to find one where her name doesn't immediately pop up!
Until September 13, Bonnie and I have corresponded only through e-mails and on Flickr.
It was great to finally meet face to face…and watch her in action!
GIFF BEATON and I have been good friends and travel companions for many years. His passion for fishing is what brought us together nearly 4 decades ago. During those early years, we shared many memorable adventures. We chased bass on local reservoirs, (when the waves were a little too big), and pursued trophy trout in streams that were "too small”. His love for the outdoors eventually evolved into nature photography.
As a renown wildlife photographer, author and lecturer, Giff’s impressive knowledge of species identification and behavior patterns proved to be a valuable asset to the Safari team. We were all grateful that Giff Beaton was able to re-arrange his hectic schedule and fly up from Georgia to join the group.
JUDY GALLAGHER, who describes herself on Flickr as “…an amateur naturalist and photographer.”, is another insect and wildlife photographer whom I’d never officially met. Having admired her incredible collection of insect photos, which hardly seem amateurish, Judy was among the first invited to join our merry band of searchers.
I remember commenting that a successful field trip is defined as finding and photographing at least one new species per outing. Judy admitted to being introduced to 25 new species that day in the Catoctins!
MARK ETHERIDGE is a local naturalist, documentarian, and an editor of the Maryland Biodiversity Project, an organization who’s mission is focused upon “…cataloging all the living things in Maryland.” …a daunting task, indeed!
Mark’s contributions of knowledge and field experience were welcomed and appreciated by all.
RICHARD ORR (not pictured in the group photo), is an insect field biologist with over 35 years of experience. He is the owner and operator of MAIFS (Mid-Atlantic Invertebrate Field Studies), and a prolific contributor to the Maryland Biodiversity Project. We all expected to learn a LOT from Richard, and we were not disappointed!
I was surprised to learn that Richard (and Bonnie) were very familiar with the areas of the Catoctin Mountains I’d chosen as our search sites. Apparently, throughout the years, we’d been flipping over the same logs and snake boards at “Peeper Pond” in search of critters to photograph. (…small world, indeed!)
THE BUG SAFARI BEGINS
We gathered on a cool, windy September morning at a parking lot in the city of Frederick. After a few brief introductions and exchanges in pleasantries, the team headed west toward the mountains. Every one was brimming with anticipation, contemplating what we might find. With so many experienced eyes and talents at the helm, we knew that we would find a LOT!
A short drive later, three vehicles, seven photographers, and over ten thousand dollars in photo gear were bouncing along rugged roads rife with potholes and gully washes.
Many remote sections of the Catoctin Mountains are rugged and unforgiving, but on this trip, I’d promised the group a “tame” safari. The drive notwithstanding, I was determined to maintain my commitment to that promise.
Our first stop was at a place I call Oak Meadows.
As mentioned, it was prime-time for caterpillar hunting in the Catoctins so it was no surprise that we began spotting and photographing interesting Lepidoptera species almost immediately.
The giddiness and excitement surrounding each new discovery was entertaining to watch.
We were those kids left alone in the candy store who never grew up.
Thankfully, Bill had the foresight to bring along a GoPro camera and he was able to capture a snippet of time-lapse video of the group searching for hidden caterpillars in the trees and fields at Oak Meadows.
Yeah...it really WAS that windy!
From there, we continued on...stopping randomly to search road-side vegetation and hike a few trails. The cats were everywhere, and everyone shot their fill!
This is one of many beautiful Daggers we found. Most were on oak and witch hazel.
...if only we had time to shoot them all!
Of all the fascinating creatures we spotted and photographed, this Wood Nymph found crawling around in a patch of jewel weed by Bonnie, was one of the more memorable. It was only the second one I'd ever seen. Giff's excellent rendition captured this remarkable creature in all its glory!
A SEPTEMBER SLUG-FEST
For serious insect hunters, few species are more prized than members of the Limacodidae family of Slug Moth caterpillars.
The Catoctin region is home to at least fifteen confirmed slug caterpillar species. This handsome Parasa chloris was one of nine different slug species found by the group that day.
Isa textula, one of the more photogenic slugs, is widespread throughout Maryland. Collectively, we found over a dozen of these tiny living jewels.
Every member of the team enjoyed adding at least one Crowned Slug image to their portfolios.
Button Slugs can be difficult to identify with complete certainty, but I think we got these two ID'd correctly.
One thing I've learned through years of searching, is that button slug caterpillars seem to be confined to isolated pockets of foliage. If you find one, keep searching the same area to find more. They seem to prefer oak, witch hazel and sycamore but as Richard proved, they can be found on other trees as well.
Skiff Moth caterpillars are highly variable in color, but their distinctive design is unmistakable.
The tiny white oval on the Skiff’s lower body is an egg deposited by a parasitic Tachinid Fly. The other white spot, and a matching one on the other side of its body, are part of the Skiff Moth’s natural defenses...designed to fool marauding Tachinids into believing that the caterpillar had already been parasitized.
Sadly for the doomed Skiff, the ruse failed.
The group's fascination with all of the slug caterpillars we were finding evolved into a friendly competition to see who could find a real "toughy"...one of the rare exotics which occupy the seldom-seen class.
Bill's Monkey Slug certainly qualifies as one of the rarer discoveries.
These alien-looking creatures are purportedly more common in other parts of Maryland,
but here in Frederick County, that Hag was quite a find!
You can read more about Maryland Limacodidae here.
Another noteworthy discovery was this puzzler, found by Mark.
The consensus of the group was that it was some form of Lycaenid, but as of this writing, no one has narrowed it down to species.
MAN DOES NOT LIVE BY CATERPILLAR ALONE
We decided to give the caterpillars a little break when Giff Beaton found a Red-Spotted Newt. Everyone was quick to join the action.
From left to right...Judy, Giff, Richard, Bonnie (hands with camera) and Bill...who later commented, “....that newt’s gonna need to hire an agent!”
I'm so glad that someone in the group captured one of these beauties.
Spintharus flavidus arachnids are colorful little spiders, and are ubiquitous encounters while peeking at the undersides of leaves, usually while searching for something else.
Until recently, I'd only seen these charismatic creatures along an isolated stretch of the NCR Trail in northern Baltimore County.
Since I've been turning over a lot more leaves these days, I've learned that they are actually quite common...particularly in the Frederick County Highlands.
Surprisingly, this was the only adult butterfly, that I know of, photographed that day.
We likely would have seen and photographed many more if the wind wasn’t howling.
When Bonnie found this, none of us were immediately aware of what we were actually seeing. Subsequent research revealed a gruesome reality. That black oval, secured and tethered by silken thread, is the cocoon of a pupating Meteorus wasp, a parasitic predator.
The desiccated exoskeleton lying nearby appears to be the remains of a Red-humped Oakworm, most likely consumed earlier by the wasp's larval form.
In your mind’s eye, it’s easy to go back in time and mentally re-construct the events leading up to this little drama.
Brutal conflicts and interactions consistently occur within the insect kingdom...many of which are all but invisible to the naked eye. Prodigious, story-telling moments like these are what makes insect photography so fascinating and rewarding.
ASPIRATIONS FULFILLED
When the concept of organizing this event first came to mind, I had three primary goals.
I promised that each member of the team would find at least one new critter that he or she had never seen before. I hoped that everyone (myself included) would glean knowledge and improve their techniques by watching the others in action.
And lastly...I hoped that we'd have fun!
I believe that all of these aspirations were realized.
With everyone's participation, a lot of fascinating caterpillars and other insects were found and photographed. I'm certain that we all learned something new. I know I did.
And I'm pretty sure that the Catoctin Mountain Bug Safari was a fun time for all!
When you turn a bunch of kids loose in a playground...how can it NOT be? :)
© Bob Cammarata 2015
bobcammarata.blogspot.com
(All photography by author, except where noted.)
No portion of this material may be copied or used without permission
I'd like to express my personal thanks and appreciation to all who participated in this project, either with with their expertise or with their fabulous photos.
I'm hoping that we can do it again!
(We're sorry that Ashley couldn't make it...we missed you.)
To read my other articles, either use the Blog Archive links to the right of this page, or the links at the bottom of my Bio Page
To read my other articles, either use the Blog Archive links to the right of this page, or the links at the bottom of my Bio Page
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