Nora Lake, Shasta County, 09/25/06

Earlier in September, when I went looking for California Spreadwing at Nora Lake, I didn't see any. This time I found about 20, of those, two were females.

California Spreadwing male. What non-ode photographers may not realize is that these subjects are often blowing in the breeze, and, when that happens, they are very difficult to photograph. This individual was perched on a slender grass stem. Every little breeze would move it in and out of focus. Careful technique and lots of pictures help ensure success (most of the time).

California Spreadwing male.

California Spreadwing male.

California Spreadwing female. This was a "one-shot wonder." I only had time for one click before she flew far, far away. Fortunately, it turned out to be perfectly focused and exposed. I try to take multiple shots of every pose, hoping one of them will turn out.

California Spreadwing female, different from the one above. In this picture, only the head, thorax, and left set of wings are in good focus (more evident when zoomed in; not so evident in this resize). The picture below is a closeup of the same pose, different picture, where only the end of the abdomen is in good focus.

Close up of appendages on above female.

Spotted Spreadwing male.

Spotted Spreadwing male.

Striped Meadowhawk female.