A Bumble Bee Gathering Pollen from Craspedia
While a lot of us may be nervous about bees, I understand that bumble bees are rather docile and reluctant to sting – and they’ll only sting if they are getting smooshed, or if you threaten their nest, both of which are really bad ideas.
In general, bumble bees are tolerant of people, so you can get close and observe them without bothering them, but getting a good photo could be pushing their limits. I’ve only gotten stung once so far, but I’m sure it will not be my last, since like many fellow photographers, I find them so irresistible to photograph.
This particular one was in British Colombia flitting about an amazing flower I not seen before…craspedia, a native to Australia and New Zealand (!) which sort of resembles ping pong or whiffle balls.
And as you may already know, bees and other pollinators are essential for the pollination of many crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. A decline in bee populations could lead to reduced crop yields and increased food prices (yes!), yet it seems like every year, we hear about their populations declining even more.
So as the 2021 Sequim logo encouraged us to do then please, “Be Kind”, and please be especially kind to bees – kill the pesticides this year, not the bees! Our crops depend on it.
