Clovis' 2025 images

[clovishound]

I noticed tonight that some sweat bees were using some of my wildflower buds to apparently bed down for the night.

_DSC9125.jpg

_DSC9114-2.jpg

[Ernie]

Love the macro.
Thanks for the pictures.

[clovishound]

Went out tonight with a flashlight and discovered they are using the same spot.

_DSC9153.jpg

_DSC9150.jpg

[CT_Shooter]

Cool discovery. Great photos.

[clovishound]

The last two were taken in the dark. I had a small flashlight that allowed me to focus, and, as usual for my macro shots, I had a camera mounted flash and diffuser. It was a little awkward balancing the flashlight and camera rig, but I managed. They seem to start settling down late in the afternoon. I haven't gone out terribly early in the morning, so I don't know when they decide it's time to go to work. I saw a few bumble bees do this same thing last year. My understanding is that sweat bees have underground burrows.

After a little internet searching, I discovered that this habit is common among many different bee types.

[clovishound]

Well, I went out a little before 9:00 this morning and there were about 3 together on a flower just about ready to take off. There was another one that decided to sleep in. He got a little visit from a neighbor. Don't know if the damselfly was sizing him up for breakfast, or just found a handy perch. I've seen more than one predator snack on a sweat bee in my backyard. Interesting fact about sweat bees I just found out. They need a certain amount of sodium for good health. They don't get much from nectar and pollen, so they have learned to drink sweat from humans. I've never had one do this to me, but if it happens, I'll let them have a sip. They are supposed to rarely sting, and then only when threatened.

_DSC9167-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg

[clovishound]

And more sleepy bees, with a wasp or two.

_DSC9226-2.jpg

_DSC9222-2.jpg

_DSC9209-2.jpg

_DSC9204-2.jpg

[Ernie]

Interesting information.
Thanks
Ernie

[clovishound]

Doing a little experimenting in the backyard today with exposures and available light.

Got lucky with this shot and one of the crescentspots was in flight.

_DSC9302.jpg

Took a few of this shield bug. We always called them stink bugs as a kid. Step on one and you'll understand why! The first was done with flash, and a slightly lower shutter speed to increase the exposure of the background.

_DSC9332-2.jpg

This is the same bug, except taken with only available light. It's not quite sharp, but good enough for social media. I should have tried another a stop faster.

_DSC9325-topaz-rawdenoise.jpg

[clovishound]

Are these ants brave, or stupid?

_DSC9382.jpg

_DSC9372.jpg