Queensland Fruit Fly

We have a young orange tree in the backyard, it's not doing too well in the drought, but this Queensland fruit fly(Bactrocera tryoni) still seem to like it.

Nikon d70 : 1/320 : f/4.2 : 90mm : iso200

Moth Silhouette

Nature in the inner city limits. This moth, resting on the underside of a leaf, is silhouetted by one of the many lights blazing away in the city every night.

Nikon d70 : 1/320 : f/4.5 : 90mm : iso200

Rainbow Lorikeet

These Lorikeets are regulars on my blog, but being in Brisbane, there're just so many of the buggers, it's hard not to keep photographing them. This one was taken from the balcony of a friends place at Sandgate.

Nikon d70 : 1/20 : f/5.6 : 300mm : iso200

Banksia Moth Caterpillar

This is an early instar (life stage) of the Banksia Moth Caterpillar (Danima banksiae). Found it as I was about to go home from the Bank Street reserve at Ashgrove.

Nikon d70 : 1/60 : f/9 : 90mm : iso200

Doing the Splits

I've not been able to get a quick ID on this one. I just like the photo as I find it slightly childishly amusing how it is doing the splits.

Nikon d70 : 1/40 : f/8 : 90mm : iso200

Royal Spoonbill

This Royal Spoonbill is a breeder. Note the long plumes on the back of its head.

Nikon d70 : 1/320 : f/5.6 : 300mm : iso200

Royal Spoonbill

Non-breeding Royal Spoonbill stands at the edge of Enoggera Creek, Ashgrove.

Nikon d70 : 1/1000 : f/5.6 : 270mm : iso200

Magpie-Lark

Magpie-larks are common through out Australia, except in Tasmania. Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, but in winter the young gather in large flocks to feed in wetland or pastures. This is a male, the female doesn't have a white marking under it eye.

Nikon d70 : 1/320 : f/5.6 : 300mm : iso200

Antlion Lacewing

Can you see it? If hadn't seen it land on this twig, I wouldn't have noticed it at all.

Nikon d70 : 1/200 : f/7.1 : 90mm : iso200

Great Egret

Great Egret tries to hide from me on the waters edge at Biambi Yumba Park. This one is a non-breeder, a breeder would have a black bill.

Nikon d70 : 1/640 : f/5.6 : 300mm : iso200

Brown Bunyip Cicada

Cicadas or more often heard rather than seen, with the males singing from the trees on summer days. The young cicada (nymph) lives underground where it sucks the roots of trees, shrubs and grasses. When it is fully grown, the nymph emerges and climbs a treetruck, which it grips to enable it to spit its skin and emerge as a winged adult.

Nikon d70 : 1/100 : f/5.6 : 300mm : iso200

Narrow-brand Grassdart

This is a butterfly from the sub family known as skippers or darters (FAMILY HESPERIIDAE). They get their name from their rapid and jerky flying style. They are mostly yellow, white or dark brown in colour.

Nikon d70 : 1/60 : f/4 : 90mm : iso200