Dear readers,
Its an exciting privilege for me to be able to use my Blog to help you to be amongst the first people to hear about a new book on the subject of insect photography. Even better than a poster to publicise it I am showing photographs taken by John Bebbington, the Author. I asked John to provide some words to go with the photographs and I am sure you will appreciate how this story demonstrates the wonder of the natural world which is all around us. Below is Johns commentary, details of the book and some of his photographs taken very recently and not included in the book as far as I know.
We have here a combination of photographic skill, keen observation of wildlife in our own back gardens and dedication to the study of the natural world. I have collected quite a few books on wildlife in recent years and I will be ordering this one as soon as its available. As you will know I have avoided advertising on this Blog and this is a one off exception.
Please note that the link shown below takes you to the publisher but you may prefer to contact the author direct:
Signed copies can be obtained fro £16.99 including p&p from the author at Quantock View, Newtown, Langport TA10 9SE. Cheques payable to John Bebbington please.
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Mason Bee story.
"Here are the images of the Mason Bee and its larva. It is the Two-coloured Mason Bee Osmia bicolor.
The bee had built cells between the two doors of our garden shed so that when we opened the shed the cells were exposed and one fell off. Even with the door open she returned and started to repair the cells. We wondered if the pollen was that of Welsh Poppy, which is abundant in our garden, so we looked at pollen from the larval cell which had fallen off the door and at pollen from a Welsh Poppy – they were the same. The next morning we watched the bee gathering Welsh Poppy pollen.
I repaired the damaged cells with clingfilm and scotch tape and they seem to be OK."
"Photography book My book ‘Insect Photography – Art and techniques’ is due to be published by Crowood Press on 15th June. Details are on the Crowood Press website at
http://www.crowood.com/details.asp?isbn=9781847973788&t=Insect-Photography---Art-and-Techniques"
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Two-coloured Mason Bee Osmia bicolor. Photo by John Bebbington
the Mason Bee repairing the cells. Photo John Bebbington
The Mason Bee larva in its laval cell. Photo John Bebbington
