As a wildlife photographer, I try to stay open to anything I might find on a morning walk. That includes small subjects that most people overlook. On this morning at Well’s Lake at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Arkansas, the sun had just started to reach the wooden handrail on one of the fishing piers. As I walked up, I noticed a housefly eating on the rail.
Watching a Housefly Eating Up Close
I moved in slowly and saw the fly working on what looked like leftover fish bait or scraps from the day before. The early light helped show off the colors in its eyes and the shine in its wings. Even though houseflies are often seen as pests, they have a strange beauty when viewed up close. My camera let me see details I normally ignore, like the small hairs along the legs and the mouth-parts mopping up its meal.
Small Creatures With Their Own Stories
As I kept photographing, I thought about how often these tiny moments play out around us without notice. Houseflies live short lives, yet they spend every day searching for food and avoiding danger. When I watched this housefly eating, I felt like I had stepped into one of those stories for a moment. It reminded me to slow down and look closer at the insects that share the space with us.
Finding Beauty in Common Wildlife
This encounter was a good example of why I enjoy wildlife photography. Even the smallest subjects can offer something interesting if I take a little time to look. Photographing this housefly eating breakfast gave me a quick glimpse into its world. These moments are easy to miss, but they help me stay curious every time I go outside.
Image Information:
- Date: 10/5/08
- Time: 8:35:09 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS 40D
- Lens: EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
- ISO: 200
- Aperture: 11
- Shutter: 1/40
- Exposure Compensation: 0.0