Mark Cassino Photography - Mark's Blog

Spring 2014 is advancing ever so slowly… Here it is, late May, and there are still many trees just starting to push out leaves. At long last, a few days of warm temperatures have finally brought out some spring dragonflies.

Dot-tailed Whitefaces (Leucorrhinia intacta) are usually the first to appear around here, and this season is no exception. Here are a few from the Allegan Forest (click on the images for larger files):

A Frosted Whiteface (Leucorrhinia frigida):

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These Clubtail Dragonflies (Gomphidae) are usually abundant in May - I have never gotten a positive identification on them. Today I only say this one - hopefully more are on the way:

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Lastly - an unidentified Bluet Damselfly:

All images were made with a Pentax K-3, SMC A* 200mm macro lens and AF360FGZ flash. Come to think of it… this was my first excursion into insect photography since purchasing the K-3 last November. I think it passes muster!

Here are few more wildflower photos from April, 2014. Click on the images for larger files.

Dutchman’s Britches has emerged as the spring progresses:

Hepatica seems to have come and gone very quickly - one last straggler:

Marsh Marigold is out in the wetlands:

Lastly - a stack focused composite of leaves emerging in early spring - from early in April:

All images taken with Pentax K-3 DSLR and A* 200mm macro lens.