Sample of the spider farm in our back yard

[firstlight]

I went for a wander around the backyard today and noticed how the population of spiders is exploding, and how big they are getting.

This girl is a tent spider Cyrtophora moluccensis. I first noticed her when she was wrapping a stink-bug that wandered into her web.

[firstlight]

The Golden Orbs are having a field day as well. Caught this one wrapping it's lunch with one of her males looking on. not the best focus... but conveys action? :D

[PhilTas]

Great photos Tony.
Are you using a macro lens, or extension tubes ?
Cheers PHIL

[firstlight]

Nah, just the kit 75 to 300mm lens we got with our old 400D 10 (?) years ago. I cropped the shot of the tent spider a bit, but I was at about minimum focus... 1.5m?

[Regulus]

Love these. Excellent result, and esp. for the kit lens.
Well done.

Trev

[firstlight]

Thanks Trevor. I would love to use a dedicated macro... And so would Anne-Louise, but you can't have everything... Where would you put it?

[Regulus]

On you camera :-)

I went hunting for a macro and ended up using cameracorp.com.au and rented first before buying. Glad i did too.
The first ($31p/m) was a Sigma 70mm and it was stunning. NO CA, beautiful colour, and as sharp as you could ever want it. BUT... the 1:1 working distance from the front element was just 3~4cm, and that is just too close for a lot of subjects.
I now have from them a mint condition S/H Canon 100mm Macro ($21p/m that will end up costing me $400) and it's a much better solution.
Really glad i didn't buy the Sigma outright.
These were taken with the Sigma:
The jelly Fungi (White) are 3mm across, and the Discinella (Orange) about 4..
Haven't had the chance to get fungi with the Canon yet and can't wait for Autumn to get into the forest again. But this Waratah Anemone gives me hope.

Trev

[Ric]

Nice images Tony.

Orb Weavers are a strange spider, they seem to come and go at our place. Last summer we had hundreds all over the fruit trees and in the vegetable garden.

This summer so far not a single one to be seen anywhere, even the Huntsmen have been unusually quiet.

Very strange indeed :confused2:

[firstlight]

Have you had new bird populations move into the area? Could be getting a lot of take-out to feed the young?

[firstlight]

Pretty sure that a paramount will make pancake of plastic, metal, glass and silicon if I put that on my camera. Well, I did say "everything"! :lol:

We might look at a lens at some time, but right now we are working out how to drive to Ularu and back this wiinter.

[Ric]

Hi Tony, there's no real change to the bird population out here.

We have the usual Galah's, Cockatoo's and Rosella's but they are more interested in going after my Grapes and Plums.

One nesting pair of Magpies and about 20 ducks on the dam who are in permanent residence, thanks to them and the Blue Tongues I haven't seen a snail for about 6 years. :D

Cheers