Aha. It looks as if ephemeropterists can lay down their nets. Peter Cranston has mentioned the possibility of a heavy dew. When I was approaching Bungendore I needed to use screenwipers despite apparently clear weather. It seems I was
photographing falling dewdrops.
From: Canberrabirds
<> On Behalf Of Geoffrey Dabb via Canberrabirds
Sent: Monday, 3 March 2025 10:32 AM
To: Canberrabirds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Seeking advice
I need an entomologist. At least that’s what I think I need. Lake George again, early morning. My early snaps captured zillions of tiny pale spots along with birds (example below, might need enlargement)). I must have got only those
in the shallow focal field. I thought ephemeroptera (mayflies). A closer snap of ducks (3 species) shows the spots as rosette shapes (attachment). Extreme enlargement shows rosettes of a strangely baroque pattern (bottom). I think these might be captures
of light striking the heads of the insects. Before I go into this further I would like confirmation I am not wildly astray in thinking mayflies. Perhaps a different insect?
