springing forward (macro)

Not quite what I would have wanted to post today, but I had to get something to show for trying the past couple of weeks. This one comes from the back yard as spring is busting forth this weekend. The plum tree is in bloom and the bees are busy. Along with the bees were a few lady bugs so I broke out the 70-200 with a full set of extension tubes and wondered forth to see how close I could get to the action. This lady bug had wandered to the end of the branch and was just about to open its wings and fly off when I captured its portrait. I like the bright red color against the blue sky and the green leaf buds. Not as sharp as I would like, but not bad given the light breezes and non-stop movement of the little critters.

As always, C&C welcome.

HE'S COMING RIGHT AT US! AHHHHHHHH!!!

Glad you enjoyed it Todd.

Nice shot Steve but there is something here that really bugs me bud!

He is coming right towards us, kinda scary , this a nice close up of the lady bug Steve, the only slight distraction is the oof bud back left.

Thanks for the replies so far. This one was taken about 200mm, f11, 1/320 so it would have been difficult to hand hold and stop down to f16 to get the extra DOF. I guess I need more practice at hand holding this macros so I can get these, or upgrade to the 70-200 f4 IS.

This makes me wonder if turtles could fly? His wings look more like a turtle shell than wings.
Good macro, Steve.

Thanks Morris. When are you going to come back up to RMNP area? I need another pink sunrise to get me out of this "severe clear" funk whenever I can go out.