The Hunter

Posted in Huntsman Spider, Insects, Life, Love, Macro Photography, Meditation, Nature, Photography, Relaxation, Spirituality, Sustainability, Truth? by Mark on 17/07/2015

The same day I found The Huntress I found her male counterpart, in much the same way, by searching the places I would hide during the day if … I were a night hunter.

I took the loosened bark down from the side of the tree and turned it gently but quickly as it came away so whatever might be on the other side became visible and exposed, perhaps triggering a freeze response and not flight or fright. There, sitting stock still, was a huge male Huntsman.

I didn’t know how long I had before he took off so I set to photographing him from the available angles, his back to the tree, where else – not to expose him unnecessarily, it’s a balance of forces applied.

And after a minute or so shooting, just as I took my eye off him to adjust something for no more than a second or two, he was gone, deftly disappearing back into the hideaway that is the debris at the foot of his tall tree.

His tree is about 50 metres from her tree, a world away it seems, but there is no reason to believe they didn’t meet.

Little things have their ways.

Tagged with: Human Nature, Life, Love, Macro, Meditation, Nature, Spirituality

32 comments

32 Responses

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Margaret Griffin said, on 23/07/2015 at 7:39 pm

Hi Mark, The huntress and hunter are absolutely awe inspiring. It is interesting to see the male is not teeny compared with the female. So I guess that means he does not become the female’s dinner if he puts a foot wrong.

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- Mark said, on 23/07/2015 at 7:45 pm
  
  Hi Margaret. They are beauties, aren’t they. Not all males become the females dinner. Though she will always crucify him, somehow, until he learns to love more. :-)
  
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Hillechien Prins said, on 21/07/2015 at 11:15 pm

wow great details, beautiful

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- Mark said, on 22/07/2015 at 9:00 am
  
  Thanks Hillechien …
  
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Emily Scott said, on 21/07/2015 at 6:16 am

“Little things have their ways.” – And not-so-little things too, by the looks of it. I like how velvety he looks. Almost cuddly.

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- Mark said, on 21/07/2015 at 10:22 am
  
  A furry fellow indeed …
  
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makingcamp said, on 19/07/2015 at 12:36 pm

Fascinating

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- Mark said, on 19/07/2015 at 3:20 pm
  
  Amazing …
  
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treesshrubs said, on 19/07/2015 at 10:30 am

OMG these are amazing images ….almost like it could come visit thru the screen… it also reminds me strongly of a picture book charecter – Grug . Are u familiar? Fantastic!!

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- Mark said, on 19/07/2015 at 11:21 am
  
  Thanks Therese. No, never …
  
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photoleaper said, on 18/07/2015 at 8:57 am

Well he’s no less intimidating than the female! Great shot!

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- Mark said, on 18/07/2015 at 2:12 pm
  
  Savagery in repose …
  
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Paulo Vasco said, on 18/07/2015 at 7:47 am

wow.
Great pics.

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- Mark said, on 18/07/2015 at 7:54 am
  
  Thanks Paulo …
  
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  - Paulo Vasco said, on 18/07/2015 at 7:59 am
    
    You’re welcome.
    
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Alex Jones said, on 18/07/2015 at 7:41 am

The unpredictable ways of nature.

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- Mark said, on 18/07/2015 at 7:53 am
  
  Variable, I would say – so many options.
  
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Nature on the Edge said, on 18/07/2015 at 6:07 am

Such a sumptuous looking creature, all eyes and legs. Enjoyed reading about your encounter.

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- Mark said, on 18/07/2015 at 7:41 am
  
  Thanks NE … Liz.
  
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Grower said, on 17/07/2015 at 11:26 pm

What a gorgeous creature.

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- Mark said, on 18/07/2015 at 7:40 am
  
  Yes, indeed.
  
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David said, on 17/07/2015 at 10:33 pm

Excellent photography and a very nice variety of compositions despite the short time you had. The photos make him look big and massive.

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- Mark said, on 18/07/2015 at 7:40 am
  
  Thanks David. He is about 6″ leg span, toe to toe. A teenager maybe.
  
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  - David said, on 18/07/2015 at 12:16 pm
    
    Thanks for the info Mark. That would be a BIG spider where I live.
    
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    - Mark said, on 18/07/2015 at 5:21 pm
      
      Here’s one at work – https://beingmark.com/2010/12/24/the-kill/
      
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      - David said, on 18/07/2015 at 10:39 pm
        
        Awesome. Thank you.
        
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        Mark said, on 19/07/2015 at 12:43 am
        
        Another – https://onbeingmark.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/p2030578_markberkery.jpg
Dan Traun said, on 17/07/2015 at 9:03 pm

wonderful detail

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- Mark said, on 17/07/2015 at 9:58 pm
  
  Thanks Dan … it is.
  
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  - Dan Traun said, on 18/07/2015 at 2:17 am
    
    Thank you
    
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2015chronicles said, on 17/07/2015 at 5:20 pm

Very cool.

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- Mark said, on 17/07/2015 at 6:16 pm
  
  He was a cool customer indeed.
  
  Reply