I think I’m going to start a new set on Flickr called “Things That Live At My House.” In addition to myself, my family and our dog, this cranefly and the cellar spider would be featured inhabitants.

We went hiking at sunrise on Russian Ridge this morning. Beautiful green rolling hills lit with the morning sun, and the wildflowers all in bloom. And great company.

I was shooting some macro shots this afternoon to take advantage of a Canon 40D that I was able to use for a couple days. This image is a macro shot of a small spider in our garage. His body is only about an 1/8 of an inch, so I didn’t see what he really looks like until after I took the shots.

Most stunning is his head looks exactly like a skull. Second most stunning is that his entire body looks like it’s made of glass.

I’m looking up what kind of spider it is and will post when I know. I’m sure it’s closely related to daddy long legs.

Spring has done its job; the Japanese Maples in our front yard are full again. There are even some leaves that just sprout out from the trunk. They have very big dreams.

This is the same tree that was losing its last leaves in January. As seen here.

This guy (yes, it’s a male) was on the back of a patio chair. He’s only about 1/4″ long, but the bright red abdomen caught my eye, and I had to photograph him.

He is a Red Backed Jumping Spider, aka Phidippus johnsoni. Evidently they will bite if provoked, but aren’t poisonous.

He wasn’t particularly interested in my camera invading his space, but I managed to get a few shots without repercussion. This is a hand held macro shot.

I think to be a photographer (or a painter) you have to have a Calla Lily in your portfolio, right? Here’s mine.
We have a huge Calla Lily plant in our backyard, this is one of dozens on it. Shot late afternoon with a hand held flash.

On a photo hike with a the San Mateo Flickrites at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, we came around the corner and were warned off by this guy. He (she?) then moved off the trail and parked on the hill next to it. We had a great photo opp while keeping a respectable distance.

Arroyo Lupine, Lupinus succulentus
Sarah and I went hiking today on Russian Ridge in the Midpenninsula Open Space Preserve. The wildflowers are just beginning to come out.

Red orchids this time. Lit with flash bounded off the ceiling.

A sea anenome in a tide pool at Weston Beach. I had my waterproof Olympus P&S with me, so I could just dunk it in the water for shots like this.

Shot on a photo outing to Point Lobos with the Palo Alto Camera Club.