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Essentials for successful garden wildlife macro photography - part 2 of 1 2 3

by Michelle Whitmore Published 01/12/2012

Weather conditions must also be taken into consideration; you won't see many winged species such as butterflies or bees when it's windy or raining; likewise others such as the woodlouse avoid the hottest part of the day and stay under the stones and in crevices in order to conserve their energy and reduce the risk of dehydration which could lead to death.

Where possible try to shoot at different times of the day for a greater variety of shots and species. Many rely on the sun to warm up, catching them on an early morning before they have got going can reveal a fine mist of dew drops to give a twist to your images, but you'll have to be quick as some species are pretty elusive once active. A number of species of larger butterflies don't generally appear until the air is warm and then flit all day but have a tendency to come to rest at the end of the day and catch the last of the sun's rays; this is also a good time for dragonflies and shield-bugs.

Don't forget the early evening; it's a good time to catch night-time insects such as moths and lace wings as they start to stir. These insects can be encouraged by planting flowers that have a strong evening fragrance such as night-scented stocks, honeysuckle and jasmine; most 'moth plants' tend to be white or pale in colour so the moths can see them at dusk. Slow worms are also most active at twilight, so watch out for them too.

Without sounding like a gardening magazine article, what can you do to encourage insects and wildlife into your patch?

1. Flowers provide two vital things: pollen and nectar. Pollen contains protein and allows bees, hoverflies and many other creatures to mate and breed. Nectar is the sugar-rich energy drink many creatures depend on. A good wildlife garden needs a good supply of both throughout the year, from January until late autumn. Bluebells, buddleia, lavender, foxgloves and heathers are particular favourites of bees and butterflies.

2. Grow plants which fruit or have berries. Not only will you benefit from the fruit but a great many insect love to feast on windfall; all you have to do is be ready and wait for them to arrive. Fallen pears, plums and damsons are great at enticing wasps, flies and butterflies.

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• Essentials for successful garden wildlife macro photography page 3
  

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