I took these photos on Wednesday. This was my first bee of the spring.
I saw my first mosquito the day before. I didn't take it's picture...I squished it.
Willow blossoms are the earliest form of food for bees here in the arctic. As soon as they are available they emerge from their winter hibernation to feed.
The bees are not the only ones feeding on the willows. The flies like it too.
Bumblebees in the arctic are larger and hairier than their more southern relatives. Their size can be kinda freaky if you are scared of bees.
But arctic bees are also rather peaceful. They don't get scared when you go near you, and they don't try to sting....at least they have never tried to sting me.
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10 comments:
Every day this week you have amazed me with a new post of fantastic photographs. Wow!
Beautiful! I must try and photograph a bumblebee to compare with yours. That one did look almost "furry" but I don't think ours are as well dressed - even that I live a mere 50 km south of the Arctic Circle.
My favorite is the 3rd one down...the bee returning home after a hard day of work, lol.
i love these photos!
excellent--now for the bear shots
Cathy, I see open water and breaking waves on the telephone company webcam - can you smell the ocean at Kotzebue? I live at the ocean on the other side of the world and that is one of the best things about oceans, I reckon.
Loved the photos of the juvenile bald eagle - and the dog :-)
AussieAlaskan
Such great shots I could almost he the bee buzzing!
Kit
These are really great shots, Cathy. I'm wondering what shutter speed were you using for the one in flight?
Hi Cathy,
I am currently writing a short article for kids on the arctic bees and I would love to feature some of these photos. I would give you full recognition of course. If you would like to check out the magazine it's called Kids 4 Animals - http://www.calgaryhumane.ca/Page.aspx?pid=316
You can reach me at desiree.arsenault@calgaryhumane.ca
Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Desiree
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