There are many cycles these Bees go through. It starts with the larva forming into a pupae after eating its pollen ball made by the previous generation of females. It then spins a cocoon and awaits spring time to emerge once temperatures get above 55F.
A few days after emerging the males and females start mating. I found Bees congregating on the deck above from where they spawned. The females are waiting for the males to show up and do their thing. During this time the Bees tend to not move around alot. Which is great for my macro photography!
Hope you enjoy these shots as much as I did, many of them so great details of the Bees.
Camera Model
Lumix GH3
Lens
Olympus MSC ED M. 60mm Macro lens
Filter
none
Aperture
f/5.6
Shutter Speed
1/125 sec
Film Speed
400
Spectrum
Visual Light
Wavelength
380 through 700 nanometers
Location
North Georgia USA.
This Bee has its long tongue sticking out. Looks like its cleaning it with one of its front arms. I see some pollen on the back of its thorax. Probably already fed on some flowers nectar.
My deck is made of Brazilian hardwood, which gives it a different appearance and qualities than other deck woods. Taking pictures of the Bees on the wood has a nice look to it.
Their white face gives them a mustache look from a far, but up close those blond hairs look quite different. Hehe I like their Bee mustaches.
One more shot of the Mason Bee, cleaning its head with one of its front arms. I guess Bees get itchy too, or maybe its just part of being a Bee. Cleaning yourself once in awhile, there will be alot of that once they start rolling around in pollen.
It took alot of tries to get this close to the Bees, my camera lens had to be within a foot from them for good macro shots. Most of the time they flew away as I got within a few feet. But doing this over and over again a few stuck around and made for some great photo subjects.
Being out in the sunlight and not moving made for some good photos. I collected video as well but have not processed it yet, but I will post it eventually. The other cycles of the Bee keeps them on the move or they are in the shade where the Bee homes are. So I think taking pictures of them while waiting for mates gives the best look at them.
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