Category: Honeybee

Lavender Rising

So many things starting to bloom. I especially love the lavender. Might have something to do with the green and purple. One of nature’s great combinations.

Two things to note on this bee: First, her neck. You get a pretty good look in this shot. And it’s weird looking. Almost like a plastic tube or something. Second, her abdomen. Note that she has prettymuch no hair left – nearly completely bald. While her wings still look quite intact, having rubbed off the hair on her back is an indication of her age. In other words, she’s been around for a while. Closer to the end of her cycle than the beginning. This is the spot at which I say, “So, too, is it for all of us…”. Or something like that. I like this shot.

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Wide Shot on a Dutch Iris

The irises are almost gone. This one is looking a little ratty there just below the bee. Normally, I’ll crop a little closer to show the detail on the bee, but this one I couldn’t figure out how to crop and keep the iris shapes…which I really enjoy on this shot. So this one is a full frame shot. I like the counterpoint of the curve of the bee’s body in relationship to the curves of the irises, too. Plus bees on purple always look good. Looking at the tags, seems this is the first bee on a Dutch iris that I’ve posted to the site. Always fun for me to get a new (to the site) flower into the mix.

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Foxtail Lily Twofer – In Flight!

So far behind this morning. That Ogden festival today (hope to see you there!). So…quick hit from yesterday on the foxtail lily again (doesn’t last long – love to shoot at it while it’s around). One honeybee and another carpenter bee. Good captures. Enjoy!

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Foxtail Lily and Wind

Normally, I get better, more clear shots of bees on the blossoms than I do of the bees in flight. Yesterday, though, it was so windy that the opposite was the case. These lilies were flapping all over the place…and the bees seemed a little frustrated. And they managed to (more or less) hover in a spot despite the wind. So…here’s a little one trying to land. I think it’s a neat shot. And I love the lilies. Like little rockets. And they do fire from the bottom up.

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Kinda Twisted on the Allium

Got back from Colorado somewhat late in the day – but still shot at twilight. Haven’t had time to look at the shots from yesterday yet (was hopeful), so you get a bee on the allium (from May of this year) today.

Seems each flower and blossom is a bit different as far as where the pollen and nectar are. And it’s fun watching the bees do what they do to get at it. Sometimes, like yesterday with the carpenter bees, they crawl right up inside of the blossom (agastache). Today’s bee looks like she’s grabbing one blossom and twisting herself toward and on another to do her work. I really like shapes in photography – and that’s a great bee shape. Fresh stuff tomorrow! (Not like this one is stale or anything, but…)

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Salvia all Summer!

Like going back to the well for more…and all summer long! The pollen on her face is fantastic. And the background is so much fun in this pic.

Traveling back from the festival in Colorado today. Hope I arrive before the bees turn in for the night. I know I’ll have missed shooting for those days on the road. Often say that I couldn’t pay for therapy that the bees and camera give me. So settling to my soul. Look at the little one on that flower…in that garden…I’m sure the idea will resonate with you.

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Subaru Blue and an Allium

Today I’ll be at the Smash in the Square 2021 Spring Festival at The Village at Castle Pines, Colorado. It runs from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Would love to see you there if you’re in the area – check out not only the bees, but birds, wild horses, other wildlife, etc.

There are three really tall alliums by the driveway. And, of course, the bees love them. Sorry I’ll be away when they’re at their height. But…got a few good shots. Series of ten or so in pretty good focus – with the bee in different positions. Did a bunch of crops on them that varied greatly and meant to do a series all in one day. May do that later on this summer. The blue in the lower left of a the pic is a Subaru. I’m not entirely sure what the red/orange up top is. And I included the circle (bad form?) up there in the upper left purposely. I like the shapes and colors in this one.

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Skimming Across the Hypernicum

Today I’ll be at the Smash in the Square 2021 Spring Festival at The Village at Castle Pines, Colorado. It runs from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Would love to see you there if you’re in the area – check out not only the bees, but birds, wild horses, other wildlife, etc.

When the bees are on it, this is one of my favorite flowers to photograph. Everything looks so dreamy. It’s a short flower – only about six inches tall – so I’m often on my belly on the grass so you get a pretty level view of the bee. Like in this one. Seem to be getting lots in flight lately. They’re beautiful. And that pollen on her is from the hypernicum.

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Heavy Laden in the Rock Rose

Getting ready to drive to the Smash in the Square 2021 Spring Festival at The Village at Castle Pines, Colorado. So I’m posting the next few in advance.

Got a few neat shots this week on the rock roses. This one happens to be a pink one. But there are red, magenta, yellow, orange, etc., too. Some days they’ll open right up. Others…they remain closed. And they’re so flappy in the wind. It’s always a thrill to get a good shot on any one of these. And look at her pollen basket!

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Quick Visit to the Salvia

Trying like mad to prepare a show in the Denver area that starts on Saturday (detials tomorrow). So quick hit on the salvia (from yesterday). Yes, she’s cute. Yes, the color is fantastic…and soothing. And yes, I’ve got no time to even breathe…much. Wish I were as organized as these little ones…

Oh, and another good in flight grab. Really enjoy getting those!

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