Inside the branches of the Palo Verde tree I photographed for yesterday’s post, I spotted this very active bee hive. These aren’t the same bees as the big black ones that were busy flying around the flowers. These look more like honey bees. I was afraid they might be the kind that will attack in swarms so I let my telephoto lens grab the shot and stayed a safe distance away.Thursday, April 2, 2009
Bzzzzzzz
Inside the branches of the Palo Verde tree I photographed for yesterday’s post, I spotted this very active bee hive. These aren’t the same bees as the big black ones that were busy flying around the flowers. These look more like honey bees. I was afraid they might be the kind that will attack in swarms so I let my telephoto lens grab the shot and stayed a safe distance away.
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12 comments:
Terrific shot. Did you get to see them while they were swarming? It's very interesting to watch. These bees are looking for a new home as there is now a new Queen bee in their old hive and as loyal subjects, they are leaving with the old Queen. Swarming bees are typically harmless unless you poke a stick at them.
A great capture of an amazing sight. This is a photo that Julie would not have taken. She would have run from the scene even faster than it takes here to aim, frame, focus, and click the shutter.
wow, I have never seen that before. I am glad to learn Antjas's comments as I would have been very afraid the bees might attack. Were they loud? I am glad you enjoyed the Yellow Chihuly Saffron Tower for theme day! Thanks for your comments.
Antjas, no I didn't see them swarming. In fact when I first spotted this mass in the tree I thought it was a nest so I moved in closer to get a look. It was only then that I saw that it was bees. I wasn't frightened at first but, then remembered that here in the southwest we have had a few incidents of bees called "Africanized bees" or sometimes called "killer bees" that actually attack people and animals in large swarms. Some people have lost pets to the bee stings from the attacks.
Julie, no I actually didn't hear a sound. That's what fooled me into thinking it was a nest at first.
Wow! Sharon that is a great capture. I've never seen a swarm before myself, but I don't think I want to. I have heard those stories about the bee attacks without provication and it is a bit un-nerving. Was this by your house?
Scary but awesome.
Oh goodness how scary! I was surprised to see a great big bumblebee today from my kitchen window - it's sunny but not at all warm, so I didn't think they'd be out and about just yet.
I may be wrong, but as I understand it the ones that attack you are the ones we need to be rid of as they are not our busy honey making bee. These seem to be the 'good' honey bee that sadly is becoming endangered. If we lose the honey bee, then we, yes we the big humans will become endangered too. We need the bees to pollinate our fruits and veges. Lucky you to have a bee hive close by. Or if is not bees then unlucky you. As I'm not an expert. The only way I know the genuine bee is if it stings me. I am allergic. So not prepared to test for you.
Amazing capture! Bee-utiful :-)
leave them be! (no pun intended)
we need honey bees and all the others too to pollinate our plants!
This is very scary. I have had a few encounters with bee swarms and it was not comfortable. I know how important bees are for pollination of our citrus, etc.
Beautiful! Dispite being stung once by a bumble bee, I love bees and the important role they play...humming bees, bumble bees and the kinds that aren't aggressive.
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