Backroad Orchids

I was roaming the backroads of Wadena County this weekend and noticed intense pink flowers scattered amongst all the green. It was  quite a surprise to see purple fringed orchids at peak. When I was tuned into them they seemed to be everywhere.

Orchid & Mosquito

 This gives you an idea of how small the flower is when its compared to a mosquito.  In addition to biting us, mosquitoes are pollinators of several flower species.  Yes, they do serve a good purpose in this world and I've been told only the females bite so (I guess) we can be thankful since it could be twice as bad.

Small Round Leaf Orchid

Small is not an exaggeration with these orchids.  However, they frequently grow in groups of 10-15 so are easy to spot on the bog floor.  No two flowers have the same design of spots and they are beautiful in their intricate detail. An unfelt breeze seems to keep them in constant motion. Technical: ISO of 1600, 1/125 second, 180 macro with close up filter

Ladyslippers

I've been looking for orchids the last couple weeks and the showy ladyslippers are at peakin northern Minnesota.  This shot is in contrast to the previous ladyslipper post which was shot from below.  In my orchid search there has been more adventure and blood loss than image production.  I'll be eating liver to restore blood lost from mosquitoes before I head into the bogs again.  Technical: 85 mm kit lens, f 22, human shadow for light diffusion