When you're trying to get a good photo to ID a bee, you need to get a clear shot of the head, thorax and abdomen.
Usually this takes me about 20-30 shots. It takes patience and perseverance.
It becomes a meditation.
And a kind of conversation. Often with the bee telling me in so many words to leave her alone so she can get back to work.
The model: I'm guessing she's a cuckoo bumblebee. Nope, she is a true bumblebee. I should never attempt to ID a bumblebee on my own. Fail. Big fail.
What she's wearing: At first appearance it looks like she's covered in shaggy hairs designed for gathering pollen, but the glare off her body shows she may be wearing the faux fur intead of the setae a true bumblebee. And I don't see any pollen baskets. Nope, she does have pollen baskets. Her true identity will be revealed in my upcoming book!
The location: Mountainview Cemetery meadow created by Jack Tupper as part of the Antler Collective.
The flower: A drought tolerant Gaillardia, or blanket flower
The seed mix: West Coast Seeds Bee Garden Blend custom made by Brian Campbell.
