Old tech - 35mm slide copier

35mm slide copier_0721
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

In the analog era we used photo-sensitive film emulsions to capture images - bizarre but true. This slide copier was simple to use. The slide (or transparency if you prefer) goes in one end of the barrel, the camera is bayoneted to the opposite end. A lighting source shines through a translucent panel, illuminates the slide and you go 'click' on ye old 35mm SLR. Instant copy. Well it would be instant if you didn't have to develop the film.

The weirdest thing

No idea_0751
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

It's got six legs but lots of pseudo legs as well. It's got 2 horns, too! (They almost look like antlers.) It's also kinda furry, but not especially cute. It's small, about finger-nail size. It looked like a caterpillar in a cocoon at first, until it got up and walked away. It's a - I have no idea.

OK, I do have an idea - it's an ant lion larva. We have lots of them around here, buried in their sandy up-turned cone-shaped traps, but this is the first time I've actually seen one up close and personal. Frankly it's the weirdest looking thing!

Rainbow Lorikeet

Lorikeet_0912
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

The Central Coast of NSW is alive with parrots, like this Rainbow Lorikeet that's hanging around, hoping for some seed. They are photogenic little guys, and feisty too. They tend to travel in 2s or 3s but a flock of 10 or 15 is not uncommon. They will push in and takeover a seed bowl and aren't afraid of much larger birds when food's on offer.

Rainbow Lorikeet

Lorikeet_0912
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

The Central Coast of NSW is alive with parrots, like this Rainbow Lorikeet that's hanging around, hoping for some seed. They are photogenic little guys, and feisty too. They tend to travel in 2s or 3s but a flock of 10 or 15 is not uncommon. They will push in and takeover a seed bowl and aren't afraid of much larger birds when food's on offer.

Very old cockatoo waiting it out

Very old cockatoo_0799a
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

He's a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, although his crest is looking a bit thin. He's probably over 60 years old, or perhaps has had a very hard life! The beak has overgrown to the point where it overlaps and crosses over itself. It can't be easy getting food with that arrangement. Having survived many hot days this Aussie summer he's now seeking shelter from the rain... you can't win, can you?

Nephila and bee

Nephila and bee_0776b
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

My 2 year old son and I watched a bee fly into this orb weaver's web. In 20 seconds it was paralysed, in a minute it was half-wrapped in silk. Not great for the bee but a nice meal for the spider.