For some reason, this year the bees went nuts on the Russian Sage.It’s odd, because these flowers are so small . . .. . . maybe they produce a high volume of nectar.But, because the flowers are small, the bee don’t seem to stay on them long.If one is, for example, a photographer, then one gets frustrated by repeated captures of blurry shapes some may describe as lens smudges.But sometime you get a bee which seems mesmerized with the bounty within the flowers, and you can get a decent shot.But most of the time, even if at first glance the shot looks good, the little busy bees are blurred.To date, meaning the last 7 summers we have lived here, this is my only reasonably clear shot of a flying bee. Well, almost clear.This shot I like . . . sharp flower, sharp bee, decent composition . . .. . . but the moment it realized what it had done, given me a decent shot, this bee takes off all pissed, and stuff.Contrast this shot on Salvia flowers . . . the bees sit on there for a good while.I get giddy when I get shots like these. Yes, I know . . . giddiness is not very manly.Now, with Bee Balm flowers, the search for nectar becomes an adventure . . .
Yes, a movie . . . not an Oscar winner, or even a contender, but at least I remembered the damn option. Sorry for the shifting focus . . . Hand held, and the lens was on auto-focus.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope the visit was the bee’s wax.
Almost forgot; click HERE for the SmugMug gallery.
Note: to those who may click on “like”, or rate the post; if you do not personally hear from me, know that I am sincerely appreciative, and I thank you for noticing what I do.
You know I love the bee shots. As well as producing lots of nectar the Russian sage probably produces a high sugar concentration nectar – for a bee, it’s all about how much sugar is in there. Some flowers are much harder to photograph them on than others. I find they spend a long time on thistles – perhaps something to plant in your back yard!
I’ve wondered about making a bee-feeder (to keep them away from hummingbird feeders).
And yes, the flower’s stability affects one’s ability to photograph the bees feeding on it. The sage moves at the slightest breeze, so it can get frustrating, especially here where there never seems to be an absence of it.
As for thistle . . . they are all over the place, so the fight is to keep them off my yard (confession . . . there are a few places I let them grow; I happen to like the flowers a lot).
You shouldn’t really be encouraging bees to visit communal feeders as this can spread disease; also they are better off finding natural pollen and nectar sources which will contain more minerals. We feed sugar syrup at certain times of the year when not much forage is available, but only ever within the hive. Great that you have lots of thistles about!
Disperser Tracks 
Oh wow, those are fantastic. Love the details on the bees wings on the clear shots.
LikeLike
It’s probably crass to say “Me too” about my own shots, but it’s the truth.
LikeLike
You know I love the bee shots. As well as producing lots of nectar the Russian sage probably produces a high sugar concentration nectar – for a bee, it’s all about how much sugar is in there. Some flowers are much harder to photograph them on than others. I find they spend a long time on thistles – perhaps something to plant in your back yard!
LikeLike
I’ve wondered about making a bee-feeder (to keep them away from hummingbird feeders).
And yes, the flower’s stability affects one’s ability to photograph the bees feeding on it. The sage moves at the slightest breeze, so it can get frustrating, especially here where there never seems to be an absence of it.
As for thistle . . . they are all over the place, so the fight is to keep them off my yard (confession . . . there are a few places I let them grow; I happen to like the flowers a lot).
LikeLike
You shouldn’t really be encouraging bees to visit communal feeders as this can spread disease; also they are better off finding natural pollen and nectar sources which will contain more minerals. We feed sugar syrup at certain times of the year when not much forage is available, but only ever within the hive. Great that you have lots of thistles about!
LikeLike
Ah . . . good point. Thanks.
LikeLike
Some really astonishing shots here! And yes, Real Men can get giddy any time they like.
LikeLike
Thanks Sandy. Of course, stealing Inara’s line didn’t feel all that manly.
LikeLike
The shot you like? I like it too. Bees are hard little critters to get right.
LikeLike
Yeah. They always seem so hurried, so busy . . . almost like . . . never mind.
LikeLike
and, these are fantastic! Composition is good too.
LikeLike
Blind dogs, and all that.
Thanks.
LikeLike
BEE-UTIFUL shots! Need I say more? Well, actually, yes, since I wanted to add that the shot of the flying bee is very good. Emilio strikes again!
LikeLike
This is the first year I’ve been able to capture bees in flight. Not exactly what I want yet, but getting there.
LikeLike