Landing strip

[billtils]

Finally managed to catch an insect in flight.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Bill The insect looks fine but IMO the dark core of the flower distracts and competes with the insect.So, I would crop the image from the LHS to eliminate the core entirely

[Geoff F]

I always like the way these Episyrphus balteatus hoverflies tuck their legs tight to the body where they trail backwards.

Possibly cropping from the left and bottom would concentrate more on the hoverfly. It would still leave enough of a landing strip.

[billtils]

Thanks Binnur and Geoff. I can see what you mean and did indeed try that but felt that the yellow leaf on its own looked too disconnected from where the fly was heading.

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[Dave A]

Great image and perfect title.

Dave

[billtils]

Thanks John and Dave

[DickyOZ]

Nice capture Bill, I like the image as it is. I always think the rear legs look like arrester hooks.

[John 2]

That's a great capture. We're normally overrun with these (marmalade Hoverflies) but not a sign this year.

[IzzieK]

Tucking the legs behind must make them more aerodynamics...just a thought.Anyway, Bill congratulations on your first try! I wonder how many frames you shot before you got a good one to share? My chopsticks was ready to catch them this year but as soon as I wield it out, they fly away.

[billtils]

Thanks Izzie. I had taken several of them at rest on different flowers, and before moving on thought I'd try an in-flight. I attempted two, with each being a fast burst of 5. Probably beginner's luck, but it turned out to be somewhat easier than catching the bumble bees.

[billtils]

Thanks John. We've had lots of these (and bumble bees) this year, but not a single butterfly so far.

[Minerva]

Nice capture of this gentle creature Bill. Love the title.