Bumblebees, who in my view are essentially tiny, adorable little teddy bears with wings and a fondness for marmalade sandwiches nectar, are also great acrobats.
Love the shots you manage to get of these bees! When the bee fell from the birdbath last year -(the episode that brought me to write a poem about it all), I watched her use those 'feet' or 'claws' to wipe the water off of her face. I didn't take a shot of that though, I was too much in awe just watching her!
I know you're rewilding a multi-acre site. Would be curious to see you pull back your camera and give us an overview of what you're doing with that whole space. Only if you want to do that, of course!
Thanks so much, Baird! Actually my orchard is quite a lot smaller than that (unfortunately!). I have five mature and very productive apple trees, and lots of grass for insects!
Lovely! I read somewhere the other day- can't find it now- that bees have smelly feet so that other bees know that they have already visited and taken the best nectar, so move on. Have you heard that?
Hi Linda! Yes, I originally meant to add that to the post! It's fascinating, and I have often seen bumblebees flying towards a flower then swerving off somewhere else, so it does seem like they can tell that another bee has been there recently and the flower won't have a good nectar supply again yet.
Love the shots you manage to get of these bees! When the bee fell from the birdbath last year -(the episode that brought me to write a poem about it all), I watched her use those 'feet' or 'claws' to wipe the water off of her face. I didn't take a shot of that though, I was too much in awe just watching her!
Thanks, Jeannine! Awwww, what a great sight! <3 I've also seen bees dry themselves off and it's just adorable <3
Beautiful, Kate!
I know you're rewilding a multi-acre site. Would be curious to see you pull back your camera and give us an overview of what you're doing with that whole space. Only if you want to do that, of course!
Thanks so much, Baird! Actually my orchard is quite a lot smaller than that (unfortunately!). I have five mature and very productive apple trees, and lots of grass for insects!
Oops! My mistake. I think it’s another writer who has that larger garden. Small is good!
No problem! Mine is small, but perfectly formed :-)
This is full of fascinating information, Kate. Like you I find the little details of nature so wonderful :-)
Thank you, Angie! Yes, these little details are so amazing! <3
Always a joy to read your posts Kate, this has put a big smile on my face.
I'll never look at bees in the same way again - how amazing!!
Thanks so much, Melissa! <3 The more I learn about bees, the more I adore them <3
The resilience of these little pom pom like creatures is admirable. I wonder if they can get a little tipsy on pollen too ?
Ah, I wonder! That hadn't occurred to me, but you may be right!
Stunning photos, thanks for sharing
Thanks, Libby, so glad you liked the post!
Lovely! I read somewhere the other day- can't find it now- that bees have smelly feet so that other bees know that they have already visited and taken the best nectar, so move on. Have you heard that?
Hi Linda! Yes, I originally meant to add that to the post! It's fascinating, and I have often seen bumblebees flying towards a flower then swerving off somewhere else, so it does seem like they can tell that another bee has been there recently and the flower won't have a good nectar supply again yet.