Western Spotted Orbweavers hanging in their webs
I spent some time yesterday morning focusing on photographing the spiders of Antelope Island State Park on the island and the causeway to it because this is a great time of the year to see them.
The spiders I photograph most often on the island during the month of July and August are Western Spotted Orbweavers but there are other spiders species on the island too. The Western Spotted Orbweavers are probably the easiest to find and photograph because at this time of the year their webs are everywhere.
The spiders of Antelope Island State Park are so famous that they have their own festival starting on August 3rd through August 8th. This year the Spider Fest is mostly virtual to keep everyone safe during this time.
To view the spider images I took yesterday click on the first photo, they can be viewed as a slide show or you can use your mouse to scroll through them.
The 2020 Spider Fest has several activities and events including Spider Crafts and Activities, Scavenger Hunts, iNaturalist Observation and BioBlitz, Spider Poetry, and Spider Fest Goodie Bags.
The Spider Fest also includes Costume and Photography Contests.
I should probably mention that this year I am one of the judges of the Photography Contest.
For more information on how to participate in the 2020 Spider Fest this year and for the schedule of events click here and follow the Antelope Island Spider Fest 2020 Facebook page here.
I always have fun when I am photographing the spiders of Antelope Island State Park.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Spotted Orbweaver photos and here to see more of my insect and spider galleries.
My techs for the images above: I used my Nikon D500 with my 500mm VR lens and 1.4x TC attached. My aperture ranged between f6.3 to f8, my ISO was set at 500 and shutter speeds ranged between 1/250 and 1/1250. My exposure settings were adjusted as needed.
The third image in the slide show is cropped in tight so that the midge can be seen in the spider’s mouth.
Spider poetry? I thought quantum sheep poetry was incredible, but spider poetry? Finally, something in the summer of 2020 that gives me hope for humankind. You will be a highly qualified and inspiring judge.
Beautiful work on an oft neglected subject.
I adore spiders and their webs. Like Patty to see spider diamonds is ALWAYS a treat.
Happy judging.
Spiders, glorious spiders! Orb weavers are special favorites. Congratulations on being a judge — a most well-deserved honor. 🙂
When I used to wait at the bus stop with my kids, I liked to look at the beautiful spider webs covered with dew drops, sparking in the morning sun…SPIDER DIAMONDS I called them and taught the kids tp love them, too.
Wonderful pics of one of natures great engineers. Besides the quality of your shots, what amazes me is how you spotted the midge in the spiders mouth. Congrats on being selected as a judge at the photography contest. I can’t imagine a person better qualified than you. Thanks Mia.
Thanks for the great images of my favorite spider. Never saw these in Southern California so I was very impressed when I first saw these giants parked in the center of their huge webs in the flower garden when I moved to Utah in 1960. They are harder to find now, except on Antelope Island.
Wonderful photos! Congratulations on being a judge. It should be fun to see all the entries.
Last year I captured a photo of a female eating a male orb weaver. I did not know they did that, but I guess food is food.