Larkspurs can look kind of weedy sometimes. But I really like them. Especially when they’re dense. And this is a really good shot of them and the bumble – that top blossom is especially neat looking. The bumbles love them but they’re kind of hard to shoot on them because the bumbles are heavy enough to pull the stalk down some. Add a bit of a breeze to that – your inherently shaky photographer – and it gets a little rough finding that sharp focus. This one worked well, though. And don’t forget to notice the pollen baskets on either side of her.
Tag: Larkspur
Larkspur Bud and Wool Carder Bee
This one isn’t a native, but from the UK, I think. Really aggressive, territorial little thing. And…as they might say in the UK, rather randy. And annoying. That said, it’s a beautiful bee. Not much to not like about its aesthetics. Great look at the eye today. And the background really makes this shot interesting. Nice feel to it.
Black and Grey Leafcutter on the Larkspur
This one had just landed. Got several nice shots in flight that will show up later. The light’s a little strange, but the bee looks fantastic. That coloration is something I rarely see. Still has the neat leafcutter eyes, though. The yellow in the background is a mess of blanket flowers. Because the larkspur is so tall and otherwise unsupported (single stalks), it’s often hard to get a clear shot. That wind and all. But this one worked out well…especially the wings.
Pollen, Larkspur, and Very Bad Light
Of all the shots I have, I really don’t know why I chose this one for today. Must be the pollen. I don’t think it came from the larkspurs. Every plant has both its own pollen (size, color, etc.) – and it seems to end up in different places on the bee, depending on the blossom. Maybe in a few years, I’ll be able to look at a dirty bee and say (definitively) where it’s been. Aspiring again, I guess…
Bumble – Almost on a Larkspur
Late light on this one. But the wing blur is neat. As is the detail. Posting this one in advance, too, because I think I’ll be working on cleanup/takedown after the art fair in Logan, Utah.
Guessing we were all hot yet all had a good time. Hoping that’s the case. And hoping a lot of people I met are visiting this site for the first time!
Beautiful Bee – Neat Cone Flower
Seems August is a really busy month. Didn’t even pick up my camera yesterday so today’s shot is from earlier this month. I especially like what the diagonal penstemmon adds to the shot. Nothing all that special about this one – which is really saying something. Isn’t nature herself gorgeous?
Bonus – Dragonfly on a Larkspur
Seems like a heavy dragonfly year – or I’m getting lucky with them. Here’s one on a larkspur. Those have recently started going nuts. Even to the point of occluding that one blanket flower that the bees love so. Might be time to do a little unarranging there. This one sat up nicely for me…and I like the detail on the wings.
Golden Bumble on a Giant Larkspur
Golden Bumble (Bombus fervidus) on a Giant Larkspur (Consolida ajacis)
Not all that much to say about this one. Just a Golden Bumble ( Bombus fervidus) on a Giant Larkspur (Consolida ajacis). Lots of pollen, though. And interesting how she’s got her head jammed in there pulling herself deeper with her claws. Seems the Larkspur was made for just for that. Normally, I like to include the eye in a bee pic. Seems if the eye is in good focus, it’s a good shot. But this one was compelling to me – eye or no.