Bees, Bees, Bees!

[cindiaugustine]

I'm a little frightened of these guys, although the bumblebees are fairly easy-going. Still, with a camera between me and them I find it easier to handle them. I've even attempted to photograph spiders in webs, although I'm arachnophobic. I find the camera to be empowering in many such ways.

[Iguanasan]

Nice! Wow, look at the pollen on him! Cool captures. The first one is my favourite here.

[cindiaugustine]

Thanks, Iquanasan. I can't get over how huge their pollen sacks are. Think of how tiny and delicate those legs are; it's like wearing huge weights strapped to their legs. No wonder people say bees defy the laws of physics in more ways than one. LOL

[Saltairdigital]

Beautiful capture!

[Wicked Dark]

nice job. those girls are so busy you can pat them when they're collecting. fuzzy and soft and sort of vibrating. the only time they get crabby is when you interfere with the nest. usually those are underground and you really have to be a pest for them to get upset. don't worry.

[Marko]

Nice catches here! Dig them both.

[cindiaugustine]

Thanks Marko and Saltair.
Wicked dark: I was out there again today and got up REAL close, and they were totally ignoring me. I think I could've touched them...but...no...I didn't try. It's really the wasps that freak me out. I think wasps just like an excuse to be nasty. LOL

[edG]

well done

[Wicked Dark]

right, wasps and hornets are a whole different deal. nasty is right. they are just about the only living creature that freaks me out and gives me the willies. Sometimes I even scream. Not bees though and especially not bumblers. Mining bees are sweet, too, but honeys can be a bit territorial about flowers. A cold, damp morning is a good time to catch mining bees since they don't build nests and aren't nectar collectors. they shelter in trees and bushes and when cold are very calm. I've only done this once with some that found some dewy flowers this spring. sluggish bees are funny.

[Hillbillygirl]

Very nicely captured on both Cindi.