We've noticed the last couple of days that the bumble bees have discovered the hummingbird feeder. I'm a little concerned because the hummingbirds have been hovering nearby but not feeding from it.
I don't want to harm the bees. Bee populations are declining which is not good for the delicate balance of the ecosystem (that'll be another post - perhaps on another blog) for a variety of reasons. In any case, the hummingbirds have been just a joy to watch this year. I want them to have their feeder just to themselves.
So I'm watching through the front door and I see this sequence of events...hummingbird and bee approach the feeder from opposite sides. They notice each other. They decide to share the feeder.
How cool is that? There's surely a lesson or two there.
NOTE: You have to look closely at these pics to see the bumble bee...tried to post larger photos but it wouldn't work. To see them close-up go to my Flickr photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/razzmataz/ and click on each individual photo for a close-up view.
Beautiful pictures - loved your story too!
ReplyDeleteWe have many, many hummingbirds here and since I have a lot of gardens in the midst of the dessert we also get a lot of bees. I have even seen them sharing the same flower which always surprises me! Neat pics.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are so incredibly clear and perfect! When I photograph the hummingbirds around here, I have to stay so far away that my inexpensive little camera doesn't zoom in well enough - they are always blurry. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed a serious decline in the bee population, too, and it concerns me. I have even found several dead bees in my garden this year.
It is definitely worrisome.