I use the Sigma 150mm and can't recommend it highy enough.

Buy this lens

Yes - I've been seeing Southern Hawkers here for a few years now.

I photographed on in the Lake District a few years back too!

No flash Hbrian.

alex mclennan wrote: There is absolutely no substitute for fieldcraft.
Alex.

Absolutely!

BRIAN wrote:superb photos Hoy, what lenses are you using?

For these shots I used the excellent Sigma 150mm EX DG Macro.

Robin Turner wrote:Wow, what superb photos. How close do you have to get to get such fantastic pictures?

Robin

I was about 1m from the Hawker, 20cm from the darter, and about 50cm from the butterfly.

Hawker, Darter and Small Copper at Three Sisters Recreation Area - Wigan. Taken this afternoon... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Kaliyoda/Wigan/3sisters/13-09-06/3sis_130906_SouthernHawker_1000_fr.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Kaliyoda/Wigan/3sisters/13-09-06/3sis_130906_CommonD...

I'm yet to SEE one never mind photograph one!

Not that many up here Eccles.

Seems to be the emperors & commons up here.

Taken on a lunchtime stroll today... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Kaliyoda/Wigan/kingsdown/8th%20Sept%2006/kdflash_080906_Comma_fr.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Kaliyoda/Wigan/kingsdown/8th%20Sept%2006/kdflash_080906_Hawker_fr.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Kaliyod...

Looks a bit large skipper-ish

Replied by PM

On my way out earlier - I glanced down at the base of one of my shrubs and there was this lovely specimen. A quick nip to get my camera and got just 1 shot before it took flight!

Some clues here...

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB2/v ... .php?t=352

Yep - Sympetrum striolatum - Common Darter

Not many butterflies around today. A few Speckled wood and this common blue female. Couldn't resist the bugs though :) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Kaliyoda/Wigan/3sisters/26-8-06/3sis_260608_commonblue_f_1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Kaliyoda/Wigan/3sisters/26-8-06/3sis_260...

WoooHooooo!!!

Well done!

Some snaps from a walk today...

Yes- they're a pair

lurkalot wrote:Snapped this one yesterday.

I hope you glued it back together


Nice shot!

Doh!

Beat to the post by the man!