Bee Odyssey
It has been a tough season for the bees, with all the rain, constant and stuttering through the year and the apparent dearth of flowering plants – at least in the fields where I first found hundreds of them, now so few. Other, unnatural reasons too.
There have been more in my garden than I found in the wild, well enough I planned for it and kept something flowering, and something still – even though winter is upon us and the nights can be so cold, with a clear open star filled sky aswirl.
An occasional visitor now, so few to be seen, found atop the blue Salvia in search of nourishment, a resting place where the sun might strike come morning. I gave it a little honey and adjusted position for the light and warmth of the day, a warning.
We need our bees, not just for what they can do for us but for what they are and do of themselves in the order of things. We are the ones out of order, messing with what should be left alone, then messing again to correct our misguided interference – ad infinitum.
That’s just the way we are, until we are not. But what is it that wakes us? The pain of loss?
Oh well, then roll on … little beauty.
We’ll see …
Mark Berkery ……. Don’t forget to CLICK on any picture to enlarge it in a new tab – best in FireFox – for me
*
Nature's Place 
Absolutely stunning photographs!
Thanks Bob, a rare bee shot this …
Hi Mark, I just stumbled across this blog. You are an extremely talented photographer. Looking forward to seeing some more of your work. All the best, Ebony.
Hi Ebony. Glad you enjoy … more to come …
yes, we will roll on until we don’t
such a gorgeous photograph, you have truly honored this little critter!
Just doing my thing … :)
I do not know much about photography, but it gorgeous! Thanks for sharing and I look forward to more. Perhaps I can learn something new.
You’re welcome. It’s never too late …
Conditions have been good for the bees this year in UK. Hope things improve in your part of the world.
Ebb and flow, round and round we go … Things do end here but I don’t think we’re there yet.
Just simply excellent photography.
Thanks George …
Yes, the situation with the bees is very troubling. I have noticed a significant decline in the number of bees this year. It is truly frightening to think where this will lead. The immediate impact is so subtle that it will take too long before people will realize that they should have made changes ages ago. I just hope it doesn’t become too dire.
It is par for the course in our world where short sighted exploitation is the primary consideration.
Sadly, that is the truth. There certainly isn’t anyone in a policy-making position with any sort of deep-history experience.
Awesome Mark!
Awesome bee … :)
wow, cool photo!
Ok … :)
Beautiful, beautiful photo Mark.
I have been planting more bee friendly flowering plants (bush basil, nasturitum, salvia and other things blooming at this moment in early winter) and find I still have Blue Bandeds and even a Leaf Cutter busy in the garden. along with my own little Carbonarias. A real treat.
Hi Lissa. I gather seed from the places I find the bees in the wild and some find a place in the garden. I also let the dandelions grow, all sorts love it and still a few bees visiting.
Thank you for yet another memorable post. I’ve shared it on my FB page (KVDbooks). It is always a joy to see the email notice that you and your little ones are still in business.
Thanks Karen. Yes, still here … :)
A beautiful picture of a beautiful bee. It’s nice to know you are looking after them. Pollen and nectar filled gardens may provide safety rafts for them in a world that is getting shipwrecked.
Yes, wonderful creatures. No doubt natural gardens make a significant contribution …
Tolles Foto, Glückwunsch! Michael
Thanks Michael …
Thats an amazing photo, I love seeing Bees in macro.
Yes Muddy, me too …
Beautifull picture again. You are writing a true story Mark.
Thanks Godfried, I do what I can …
ur pics’re always facinating me n ‘m so addicted to them,as usuall so beautiful especially the details,
Glad you like ’em Shiny …
Beautiful photograph as usual, and potent, heart-felt words! thanks for continuing to show us up close these marvelous beings!
Thanks Kai, it’s a pleasure …
I’m sure the bees will appreciate your efforts. Has bad weather where you are perhaps prevented the wild flowers coming out?
They do, they just don’t know it … :)
That and a perverse ‘regeneration’ of native plant species that involved the use of herbicides and ground clearance at forest’s edge that has resulted in the loss of an abundant pollen and nectar resource and the complete absence of at least one species of bee this year. This one : https://onbeingmark.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/p2070807-mark-berkery.jpg
I hate it when restoration efforts destroy good habitat. :(
It’s not really restoration though, more like political correctness – being based on a partial understanding for a certain dubious gain.
That is true, such a shame
Tragic. So often nature is better off when we just leave it alone.