Sunflower throwing pollen again. And it got all over this longhorn. Of course those are not horns, but antennae. But the name is apt, nonetheless. They really seem to like the sunflowers. And to sleep in the sunflowers, too. And they’re a pretty calm bee and don’t mind sharing. I’ve seen as many as six all tucked in together in a sunflower. Thought it looked like kids in a hostel. Just tired. Tomorrow is another big day.
Month: February 2021
The Russian Sage Is a Draw, Too!
I think this one is a brown-belted drone, but I’m not entirely sure. Very long bee, compared to others. If you’ve been following along, you can kind of see the scale – and the length compared to the blossoms. Tongue at work, too.
The Blanket Flower Draws Them In
Apparently, that “in” is supposed to be capitalized. Maybe because it’s at the end of the phrase? Some stuff I’ll just never understand. Wonder if the bees mess up capitalization or punctuation when they dance for each other. Odd thought. Typo. Illiteracy. Mistakes made because the education system in the hive is failing them. Wow, what a digression.
Brown-belted Pollenface on a Sunflower
This is the whole shot – no crop. Good detail on the bee’s face, including some pollen grains on the eye. You can also see how and where the sunflower is throwing its pollen. Still cold out, but the river of crocuses is starting to appear.
Hanging from the Russian Sage
Great detail on the fuzz of the blossom. The bees’ favorite, blooms for months, and doesn’t require much water – or other care at all. Seeds a bit, though, and tends to wander…
Stained glass wings today.
Lots of Purple – In the Lavender
This one grabbed me today. Little rough on the highlights on the blossom itself, but I like both the bee itself and the background. Been a little warmer lately but still lots of snow on the ground. The crocuses look a little rough. And confused. But we’re probably mostly done. Seems like half-a-winter’s worth of water in a single, long storm.
A September Aster
When I look at the number of bees I’ve shot over the years, seems like I’m heaviest in September. Almost like the bees then…loading up for winter. And both they and I are all over the asters. The difference is they’re right…and I seem to be trying to make up for not shooting as much in May, for example. Introspection can be rough.
Some Hunt’s Bumbletongue on a Salvia
Great view of this beadhead bee. Love the pollen on its eye. I say ‘its’ because while most honeybees that you see are female, this one might be a drone bumble. Can’t tell.
Double on Double Cone Flowers
Just another day in August. Two brown-belteds sharing one blossom.
Tulipa Ancilla and Two Bees Sharing It
This is a really neat tulip. A bit of a shorty, but the bees (and wasps) really like it. It throws a lot of pollen, too. Makes for filthy bees. But it’s really pretty, especially on the inside (as you can see). Lots of depth of color there. Won’t be long before they’re in bloom.
