This thing about two and half inches long rolled out of a pile of chips yesterday and looks dangerous . Spikes all over . After I took these pics , and saw them on puter , they were so fuzzy , I went back out and couldn't find him . I've been pulling some weeds out by the roots and scared I'll get a handfull of this monstrosity . What is it and are the spines poison ?
Can you describe it just a bit? The image just isn't clear enough.
Is it black, gray or blue? Are the colored areas tufts of fur or are they just spots on the body? Are the colored areas orange, red or brown?
I'll see if I can come up with some suggestions.
He was black , had stiff long hairs with tufts of shorter hair . I thought at first his feet had a claw , but saw it was softer like a flat foot . He rolled up into a circle when touched . I have seen the skins of these ,dried out under dry lumber and other dry debris in the spring when cleaning up the yard . They looked scary then too . I will look at the other (even worse ) pics and see if i can get a color pattern .Don't remember any spots
It just looks like there are spots or tufts down its back in another color. There are a great number of fuzzy black caterpillars so the markings would be a good clue.
I'm sorry , just can't tell from the pics except it seems the spikes were a little more pale towards the body . I wish I had read my book better to know how to set the focus for closeups . will do that today . If it can't be ID , I appreciate your trying anyway .
If you're using a regular digital camera, there is a little icon that looks like a tulip. That is your macro or close-up setting. See if you see that on the back of your camera.
I don't know if it's a reg digital or not . It's a Cannon and for the price , Consumer reports said it was the best value . Also , yea , I found the tulip, I'm going to take a pic and try it out , so I'll be ready for the next time . Thank you , thank you .
I remember when I put him down once , he tried to burrow back up in the chips . I was trying to get a picture of his face that looked like a giant eye .
Yes, you've got a regular digital camera...I didn't know if you were using a camera phone ...(those I don't know about), but if you found the tulip, you should be set for the next time.
I don't need to use my phone , I have enough to learn about the camera and computer .
Same here!
digger9083 - I just came across your thread. Though I can't help with the cat ID. I can offer some tips on getting clearer images.
1st, if possible attach your camera to a tripod.
2nd, then use the self-timer to click the shutter (or use a remote shutter release - that's what I have, but before, I used the self-timer for a 2 sec wait).
3rd, use a fast shutter speed (especially, if it's sunny out - like it was today for me).
All three of these will produce much clearer, more detailed images, because they eliminate camera shake (like you get trying to hand hold the camera.)
I have also found that with a high shutter speed alone, on a sunny day, I can hand-hold my camera and still get a nice pic.
I took this moth pic today - hand-held, aperture was f4.5 and shutter speed was 1/8000 of a second.
Hack.
digger9083 - BTW, both my wife and I are graduates of North Georgia College - small world, huh.
Hack, class of '73.
Hack , I have no idea how to set shutter speed . I really have to get the book and learn more . This is the first camera I ever owned , except the disposables .I have only used it for family pics . I will pay more attn to the shakes . That cat wasn't going to be still for me .
This is a nice area here in Dahlonega , but you and DW need to pay a visit to see how it's changed . Also small town politics rule . You'd think the town fathers were running the state from the petty things they argue about . Enough bashing , sorry . I've been here 20 years and it has become Atlanta suburbs Youall really need to see the campus now . Still neat and hometown .Several of my D H family have graduated from here . My family come from U T and A&M . Not me , just high school in Wichita Falls ,TX .lol
Listen , I will use your suggestions and see if I can improve the quality of my pics .I love Daves , everyone is so helpful . Thanks
I just read your pic data and see that you using a Canon PowerShot S5 IS Camera.
Rest assured, you have a really nice camera.
Read your manual, because you CAN set various things. For ex, in Tv mode, you can set the speed of the shutter.
Here's the specs I read for your camera:
Aperture and Shutter
Maximum Aperture - f/2.7 (W) - f/3.5 (T)
Shutter Speed - 15-1/3200 sec. (settable in Tv and M)
Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity - Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600 (Standard Output Sensitivity. Recommended Exposure Index)
Light Metering Method
Evaluative*, Center-weighted average, Spot**
* Control to incorporate facial brightness in Face Detection AF
** Metering frame is fixed to the center
Exposure Control Method
Program AE, Shutter Speed-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual; AE Lock available
Exposure Compensation
+/-2 stops in 1/3-stop increments
Hack.
Hack , that's Greek . I love it , but you are way beyond my expertise . Maybe you and D W need to come up and teach me what's what . If you don't know how , we'll teach you how to prospect for gold . Be fun and figgering the years , you are about 10 yrs. younger. I should be able to teach you guys something . lol I have a really good friend that is into photography , but don't get to visit with her much ..She is retired chemistry teacher .
It has been awhile since the wife and I were in your neck of the woods. Its been years, and I mean years, since I did any panning, but I did found some gold flakes, but not enough to quite my job. :-(
I don't mean to mislead you, I've only been into cameras and photography about a couple of years myself.
Oh, you mentioned a friend, a retired chemistry teach, well, I'm a retired biology teacher.
Hack
This message was edited Jun 28, 2010 8:51 PM
Melody , I'm going to close this thread . No reason to keep it open if the picture isn't good enough for an I D. I will continue to actively hunt that (creature ) down and submit again if, and when, I find another. Thank you so much for your help ,and Hack , I'll use your tips for my future efforts . ( As far as I understand them , the shakes , I do )
That's fine. Just let me know when you find another one.
