A Day of Discovery at Arboretum Kalmthout

Embarking on a photographic adventure with my son and a close friend, we explored the vibrant Arboretum Kalmthout in Belgium. Armed with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, we delved into the intricate world of pollinators and blossoms.

Among our subjects was the Episyrphus balteatus, or snorzweefvlieg, a common hoverfly known for its distinctive orange and black bands. This species plays a crucial role in pollination and aphid control.

We also encountered the Apis mellifera carnica, or Krainer bij, a subspecies of the Western honeybee. Native to Central Europe, these bees are favored by beekeepers for their gentle nature and efficient foraging.

The arboretum's array of purple-hued flowers provided a stunning backdrop, enhancing the visual appeal of our subjects. With over 500 photos taken, this is just the beginning of sharing our day's discoveries.

#EpisyrphusBalteatus #Snorzweefvlieg #ApisMelliferaCarnica #KrainerBij #ArboretumKalmthout #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Pollinators #Hoverfly #Honeybee #InsectPhotography #PurpleFlowers #BotanicalGarden #NaturePhotography #BelgiumNature #WildlifeMacro #FloralMacro #InsectMacro #NatureLovers #MacroWorld #BeePhotography #HoverflyLove #GardenExploration #NatureWalks #FloralBeauty #InsectCloseUp #MacroMagic #NatureInDetail #PollinatorGarden #WildlifePhotography #MacroLens #FlowerPhotography #InsectWorld #NaturePerfection #MacroShot #FloralPatterns #NatureBrilliance #MacroNature #InsectEncounters #NatureCaptured

#nature #naturephotography #flower #dryplant #Bokeh #bokehphotography #Natureindetail #closeupnature #MinimalNature #Calmtones #RusticnNature #Moodynature #NaturalTexture

#Sony #sonyphotography #SonyA7C #Tamron35mmf2.8 #Tamron

#edited #luminarneo

Jewel of the Stream: The Beautiful Demoiselle in Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the enchanting Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), or "bosbeekjuffer" in Dutch. This damselfly is renowned for its metallic blue-green body and shimmering wings, making it a captivating subject for nature enthusiasts.

The Beautiful Demoiselle thrives along unpolluted, fast-flowing streams with sandy or gravelly beds, often bordered by lush vegetation. Males are territorial, perching on bankside plants to defend their domain and attract females. Their presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as they are sensitive to water quality and habitat changes.

Capturing this delicate insect with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens was a rewarding challenge. Its graceful flight and vibrant colors highlight the rich biodiversity of Kampina. Moments like these underscore the importance of preserving our natural habitats for future generations to appreciate.

#CalopteryxVirgo #Bosbeekjuffer #BeautifulDemoiselle #Damselfly #Odonata #MacroPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #WildlifePhotography #NatureLovers #InsectPhotography #RiverLife #FreshwaterEcosystem #Biodiversity #Conservation #NaturePerfection #MacroNature #InsectMacro #FieldPhotography #NatureExploration #Dragonfly #DamselflyLove #NatureInDetail #WildlifeMacro #MacroWorld #InsectOfTheDay #NatureBrilliance #MacroMagic #CloseUpNature #InsectPerfection #NatureSpotlight #WildlifeInFocus #MacroBeauty #InsectEncounters #NaturePhotography #MacroShot #NatureHighlight

So, last beetle picture (at least for today :D)...

#PoplarBeetle #LeafBeetle #ChrysomelaPopuli #BeetleLove #BeetleBeauty #ColorfulBeetles #InsectPhotography #BeetleCloseUp #BugOfTheDay #spring #MacroBug #MacroMagic #NatureMacro #TinyWorld #InsectPerfection #NatureInDetail #WildlifeMacro #CloseUpNature #SmallWorldBigBeauty #NatureCaptured #MacroWonder #naturephotography

#SonyA7C #Sony70300mm #SonyPhotography #SonyAlpha #SonyImages #SonyMacro #SonyTelephoto #AlphaShooter

#edited #luminarneo

*Crop from last picture :)

This is the same bug as in the last photo, but from a different angle.

#PoplarBeetle #LeafBeetle #ChrysomelaPopuli #BeetleLove #BeetleBeauty #ColorfulBeetles #InsectPhotography #BeetleCloseUp #BugOfTheDay #spring #MacroBug #MacroMagic #NatureMacro #TinyWorld #InsectPerfection #NatureInDetail #WildlifeMacro #CloseUpNature #SmallWorldBigBeauty #NatureCaptured #MacroWonder #naturephotography

#SonyA7C #Sony70300mm #SonyPhotography #SonyAlpha #SonyImages #SonyMacro #SonyTelephoto #AlphaShooter

#edited #luminarneo

A red poplar beetle (Chrysomela populi) resting on a thin twig. I took this shot with the Sony A7C and the Sony 70-300mm lens.
The magnification on this lens is impressive!

#PoplarBeetle #LeafBeetle #ChrysomelaPopuli #BeetleLove #BeetleBeauty #ColorfulBeetles #InsectPhotography #BeetleCloseUp #BugOfTheDay #spring #MacroBug #MacroMagic #NatureMacro #TinyWorld #InsectPerfection #NatureInDetail #WildlifeMacro #CloseUpNature #SmallWorldBigBeauty #NatureCaptured #MacroWonder #naturephotography

#SonyA7C #Sony70300mm #SonyPhotography #SonyAlpha #SonyImages #SonyMacro #SonyTelephoto #AlphaShooter

#edited #luminarneo

Floral Elegance. #SpringBlooms #FloralPhotography #GardenBeauty #NatureInDetail #PinkFlowers #Botanical #FlowerLovers #SpringlsComing #PlantLife #spring #springtime #smartphonephotography #photography