Twin 1 Loc: Nor California

I looked with interest at napabob's posting - http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-295980-1.html

I have just been chasing my private collection of these guys. They are in an old apple tree. This variety has a golden male and black females.

I have not had anywhere near napabob's success but I thought I would share what I have at this point. I will be back at them later.

Shot with Canon 7D Mark II, Canon macro 100, ring flash.
Tough to get anything but bee butts. None of these are PP'd.

I was probably 4 - 6 feet from them as they entered or left the branches where their hive is. Not sure if this is a specific characteristic but the males were entering from a different hole than the females.

I have several hundred shots to sort and dump.

Here is a head shot as one male is leaving the hive, with his remarkable green eyes

(Download)

The male has left the hole and is getting ready to fly off

(Download)

The female has just entered the hole and I placed the dime for size comparison.

(Download)

Back shot of a female that isn't too blurred.

(Download)

Side view of female approaching the hole

(Download)

Dan L Loc: Wisconsin

Nice captures, viewed on download. Although a fill in flash using a softbox or Styrofoam coffee cup over the camera flash will bring out the details.

Twin 1 Loc: Nor California

I will have to check my ring flash and my set up. It was my first time at trying to use it. These guys are very noisy, sound like large airplanes coming and going. Thanks for looking.