pastime (noun) – an activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby.
I don’t have many pastimes. Mainly gardening and photography take up my time now that I am retired. So flower photography is pretty much a given. What I do like to do at this time of year is try and capture the bees and butterflies and other pollinators that come into my garden. So here are a few from this week:
(Please click on an image to enlarge)
Happy
Hanging on
What’s in ‘ere then?
Content
One that almost got away
On the brink
pockets full
Green Veined White Butterfly
Watching the bees land on the lupins is so interesting, they land on the lower part of the flower which then opens with the weight of the bee and reveals the stamens inside. Perfect synchronicity.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #97 | Pastimes
Cornwall in Colours 
Bees seem very experienced creatures. Either the learning comes down in the DNA or they pick up things really fast, or the flower has planned it all out for them, which is more likely. I am re-reading the botany of desire book – how can you tell? 🙂
The way the lupin flower works is genius! The flower opens like it has a hinge when the bee lands. I also love watching them disappear into the funnels of the foxgloves (the pattern apparently directs them in – like planes coming in to land) as do the penstemons. And they cling on to the long stamens on the camassias. They also like certain colours – blues and purples are favourites. And long-tongued bumblebees such as Bombus hortorum tend to favour deep flowers, and of course short-tongued bumblebees such as Bombus terrestris/lucorum prefer shallow flowers. Fascinating!
The detail in these is fabulous – I particularly love the first bee on the lupin one.
The best one, that bee stood fairly still for me long enough to get it in focus.
A bee that enjoyed posing for photos! 🙂
Perfect pictures! 🙂
Perfect posers!
I share your delight in the photography of flowers and the bees. These photos are wonderful in their capturing of detail. Inspirational, when the wind drops I’ll be out to try some more. 🙂
Yes, no good on a day like today!
Lovely bees and butterflies. Your garden is obviously a haven for them🐝
Clever bees! And wonderful pictures.
The bees and I thank you.
love bee watching
And I love that your share your pastime with us. Your beautiful flower photos always make my day.
Thanks Carol. I am aware that I am becoming a bit samey though. Not sure how to change that at the moment.
I don’t mind that, because the subject might be the same but your images are always beautiful and inspirational.
Thank you, that is very kind of you.
Beautiful photos!
Lovely shots Jude. We have had an invasion of butterflies this year. All gone now though. Not many bees around this year.
Beautiful photos!
Thank you 😊