Nature's Place

Blue Banded Bee …

A Blue Banded Bee from the same bee hotel as the Neon Cuckoo Bee lays. How they roost outside the nest.

*Click on the pictures for a proper look … and click again

She’s asleep at night which allows me to set the background, somewhat. For the contrast necessary to appreciate it.

There are always limitations, to anything, of what’s at hand for the job. And variables can be employed.

Such as angles and lighting and background – sometimes, and you never know what you’ve got ’til you see it big.

So I look to see what may be, what looks good inside, guided by experience and intuition, and shoot away outside.

Within constraints, of available space in surrounds, close to the ground, under the stairway … pain in the knee …

And then there’s the variables of the medium, composition, saturation, sharpness, etc … that add up to a …

It all goes to making a picture, or image, attractive or not. There are universals to that, I think. What ‘eye’ enjoy.

But the biggest attraction is the creature – from created – itself. No accident of numbers is this little beauty. Though its numbers can be calculated, sort of …

on a flower, a print of a flower, for background while she sleeps.

© Mark Berkery ……. Click on those pictures for a closer look

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180 Responses

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  1. TishGirl❤️'s avatar TishGirl❤️ said, on 27/02/2020 at 4:38 pm

    Thanks!

  2. TishGirl❤️'s avatar ritishabaidyaray said, on 21/02/2020 at 8:53 am

    These images are so good! I’m honestly at a lack of words. Keep up the amazing work and please keep sharing your brilliant work with us!❤️

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 22/02/2020 at 4:44 pm

      Thanks Ritisha.

      • TishGirl❤️'s avatar TishGirl❤️ said, on 27/02/2020 at 2:41 am

        I’d love you to check out my blog – ritisha.blog! It would be great to hear some feedback and suggestions for future blogs

        • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2020 at 10:23 am

          You do a fine job there Ritisha. Keep up the good work.

  3. LiveHealthyMama's avatar LiveHealthyMama said, on 01/04/2019 at 1:07 am

    This is beautiful, who knew bees have so much character!

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 01/04/2019 at 2:20 pm

      The lively intelligence of our garden sprites.

  4. Shimon Cohen's avatar Shimon Cohen said, on 27/03/2019 at 3:51 pm

    I liked the close-up shots.
    🐝💙

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/03/2019 at 8:42 pm

      They are nice, and a great little model too.

  5. ecopoet's avatar ecopoet said, on 24/03/2019 at 10:19 am

    Amazing photos

  6. Kaeli King's avatar J.D. Kitrell said, on 24/03/2019 at 3:41 am

    Wow!!! The colors you chose for the background are amazing! Totally make the bee’s color pop! Good job!!

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 24/03/2019 at 9:24 am

      I thought it worked ok too.

      Thanks JD.

  7. bollywoodfilmygossip's avatar bollywoodfilmygossip said, on 16/03/2019 at 7:02 am

    WOW!!!

  8. Aman verma's avatar Aman verma said, on 13/03/2019 at 4:52 pm

    INCREADIBLE MOMENTS.

  9. Dr. Narhari Prasad's avatar aboutjaisalmer said, on 10/03/2019 at 2:23 pm

    Nice pictures

  10. Bhuvi Libanio's avatar Bhuvi said, on 10/03/2019 at 7:54 am

    Amazing pics! Thanks for sharing ☺️♥️

  11. emmapearn's avatar emmapearn said, on 10/03/2019 at 7:26 am

    How big are they and where are they found please?

  12. theartblogger54's avatar theartblogger54 said, on 08/03/2019 at 11:18 pm

    superb photo’s

  13. Aangi's avatar Aangi said, on 08/03/2019 at 5:03 pm

    Photographs 💜

  14. kerrihendry's avatar kerrihendry said, on 07/03/2019 at 7:30 pm

    Wow, what a beautiful bee, I never knew there were species with blue bands, fascinating. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures x

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 08/03/2019 at 1:18 am

      It is a beauty, isn’t it.

      Thanks Kerri.

  15. joyassima's avatar joyassima said, on 07/03/2019 at 1:12 am

    Interesting
    This shows nature is beautiful
    Nice photography

  16. Leah J Smith's avatar Leah J Smith said, on 06/03/2019 at 10:09 pm

    Wonderful photos!

  17. guidetogrowingchildren's avatar guidetogrowingchildren said, on 06/03/2019 at 1:37 pm

    Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

  18. masamune52913's avatar masamune52913 said, on 05/03/2019 at 12:30 am

    Beautiful 😍

  19. Elle N.'s avatar Elle N. said, on 04/03/2019 at 9:41 am

    I am just so curious how you get SUCH beautiful pics of things that are SO mis-understood.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 04/03/2019 at 10:19 am

      You are right Elle, if we don’t learn to respect the nature we – ‘have dominion over’ – responsibility for we are doomed. Fear is eroded by first facing the object of fear. Then having seen the falsity of it – fear dies – give it up, to the simple sensation inside.

      This is my take on macro – https://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/ – If you have any questions about it ask on that thread and I’ll answer the best I can.

  20. Elle N.'s avatar Elle N. said, on 04/03/2019 at 9:39 am

    I am terrified of bees, but they are just like the spiders. Unique in there own way. I have a certain respect for these beautiful animals that aide us in living.

  21. J.S - WEW's avatar J.S - WEW said, on 04/03/2019 at 12:24 am

    Nice Photos.

    Actually very good & clever photography.

  22. fatimah's avatar fatimah said, on 03/03/2019 at 8:18 pm

    I’m very afraid of bees. But these photos are absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never found them so beautiful.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 03/03/2019 at 9:48 pm

      Bees are generally harmless. It’s the social bees that can be aggressive in defense of the hive, because the individual is expendable.

      Thanks Fatimah.

  23. Innerity's avatar cryptongue said, on 03/03/2019 at 12:03 pm

    Awesomeness

  24. highlandgirl5's avatar highlandgirl5 said, on 03/03/2019 at 12:22 am

    Beautiful photos!

  25. Andy Tran's avatar Andy Tran said, on 02/03/2019 at 2:38 pm

    Yes, photos are beautiful 😍

  26. dikshakakkar31994's avatar dikshakakkar31994 said, on 02/03/2019 at 4:04 am

    amazing

  27. CoolestTrends's avatar Anamika said, on 01/03/2019 at 5:11 pm

    Wow

  28. payapenny's avatar payapenny said, on 01/03/2019 at 3:55 pm

    Wow! Bee-utiful!!

  29. Ihagh G. T.'s avatar Ihagh G. T. said, on 01/03/2019 at 3:28 pm

    👍👍👍… interesting and visually appealing

  30. grocerywhisperer's avatar grocerywhisperer said, on 01/03/2019 at 3:27 pm

    Beautiful photography. I never thought I’d say this, but what a beautiful bee. lol

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 01/03/2019 at 4:42 pm

      A beautiful bee indeed.

      Thanks GW…

  31. motivationeil99's avatar David Riley said, on 01/03/2019 at 2:48 pm

    Good picture quality.

  32. MyStoriesWithMusic's avatar MyStoriesWithMusic said, on 01/03/2019 at 2:37 am

    I love this! 😀

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 01/03/2019 at 10:29 am

      Not hard to do when you get to know them. :-)

  33. mucizenin günlüğü's avatar mucizenin günlüğü said, on 01/03/2019 at 2:08 am

    Totally excellent!

  34. W. Webb's avatar Rapmajor said, on 01/03/2019 at 1:53 am

    I never realized the true beauty of bees! Amazing photography

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 01/03/2019 at 10:26 am

      Things are different close up, where the illusion of mind has little sway.

      Thanks R…

  35. amjshots's avatar amjshots said, on 01/03/2019 at 1:24 am

    Wow… Great shots… And followed by a nice exciting story😀😍

  36. Suraj's avatar Suraj said, on 01/03/2019 at 1:18 am

    Beautiful

  37. tedloveslucy's avatar tedloveslucy said, on 28/02/2019 at 10:49 pm

    Fabulous photography

  38. Ŵⅈḷḏ Ḅℯåȵ's avatar Ŵⅈḷḏ Ḅℯåȵ said, on 28/02/2019 at 9:35 pm

    I’m not sure if I missed this, but what lens was used? I am a macro photography obsessed wildlife biologist/nature nerd who has been dying to get my hands on a new lens for my D3300 so this is right up my alley. Stunning fuzzy bee!

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 11:58 pm

      My lens wouldn’t fit your Canon/Nikon, being m4/3 + achromat. Just get the standard macro lens for your make, to start. The lighting is the first thing anyway, get that right and you’re away. My rundown on macro here – https://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/ – might help. Others do it their way.

  39. kevinalrino's avatar kevinalrino said, on 28/02/2019 at 2:14 pm

    Its cool!

  40. Zezee's avatar Zezee said, on 28/02/2019 at 11:09 am

    I’ve never seen a blue-banded bee before.
    I always discover something new on your blog.
    Great pics as always.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 1:11 pm

      I’m posting them throughout the year.

      Thanks Zee…

  41. mehak bhutani's avatar mehak bhutani said, on 28/02/2019 at 5:28 am

    Nice one 💓

  42. tinycaravan's avatar tinycaravan said, on 28/02/2019 at 4:35 am

    Wowww! These are amazing!

  43. The realistic mom's avatar The realistic mom said, on 28/02/2019 at 1:35 am

    Truely beautiful indeed,I love the way you capture them really

  44. Dawn's avatar Dawn Renee said, on 28/02/2019 at 12:52 am

    It’s such a bizarre and beautiful creature!

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 12:48 pm

      Indeed, our bizarre nature is beautiful – has no negativity in it.

  45. Sup_Arna's avatar Sup_Arna said, on 28/02/2019 at 12:23 am

    These are amazing 🤩

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 12:47 pm

      They are that, amazing little earth engines.

      • Sup_Arna's avatar Sup_Arna said, on 28/02/2019 at 4:33 pm

        Yep…these are creatures beautifying the colour in their ways…

        • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 01/03/2019 at 12:00 am

          Representing the magical genius they come from … that upholds the earth and all its ways and things.

  46. grt2172's avatar grt2172 said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:19 pm

    nice shots

  47. Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 6:54 pm

    For more beautiful bees click and scroll down here – https://beingmark.com/?s=bee

  48. Mitchel David Ring's avatar Mitchel Ring said, on 27/02/2019 at 4:30 pm

    Stunning. It’s amazing to see such a unique perspective. I wonder what the bee was thinking…

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 4:45 pm

      The bee was being a bee, holding on to the roost, registering the flash of light and the vibration of touch, the smell of strange. Bees are not burdened with thinking as we know it.

      Thanks Mitchel.

      • Mitchel David Ring's avatar Mitchel Ring said, on 27/02/2019 at 4:50 pm

        Who knows man I’ve never been a bee 😂

        • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 5:45 pm

          When you can see a bee without thinking, you are being a bee. The question is can you stop thinking and find out in your own experience? :-)

  49. Sonal Vashisht ❤🌎's avatar scenteddiary said, on 27/02/2019 at 4:20 pm

    Very interesting!!

  50. naturebackin's avatar naturebackin said, on 27/02/2019 at 3:53 pm

    I really admire how your photos go beyond being technically brilliant, which they awesomely are, and get to the soul of the insect and lead us to care about it as an individual.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 4:42 pm

      It’s something I love to do, re-present the forms of nature at my feet in such a way as to capture something of the invisible behind. Beauty is a place all creatures come out of or through, and in taking form retain something of origins. All it takes is to see it to express or render it, in some medium.

      • naturebackin's avatar naturebackin said, on 28/02/2019 at 3:24 pm

        I don’t think many of us reach such profound awareness but we can try to be more open. Thank you.

        • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 3:56 pm

          It’s my experience such ‘profundity’ is often masked only by thinking ‘I can’t’. But it’s a long road, and being open is a big step, even ‘profound’.

  51. zssprongs98's avatar tokoda98 said, on 27/02/2019 at 3:19 pm

    This is an interesting post

  52. Evolution of RAW Self's avatar Evolution of Self said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:13 pm

    Without Pollination of bees , They buzz off humanity stands no chance oppose pesticides and herbicides many countries are recognizing this . Most recently France was first country to banned all spraying chemicals. Where does the Blue Banded Bee reside Krista ?

    Cheers

    Alex

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:38 pm

      This bee is in Brisbane, Australia. They can be found over a wide area – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amegilla_cingulata#Distribution_and_habitat

      Yes, shame about the destructive pesticides. They are only necessary for ‘industrial’ farming but also get used in the garden. Another lesson still to be learned by Man – don’t do what doesn’t need doing.

      Thanks Alex.

      • Evolution of RAW Self's avatar Evolution of Self said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:54 pm

        I will have check out this exotic speices thanks Mate for the 411
        Cheers

  53. sanctify36's avatar sanctify36 said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:05 pm

    So beautiful

  54. thedogwalkinggardener's avatar thedogwalkinggardener said, on 27/02/2019 at 1:34 pm

    Incredible …..the detail of the insects are amazing!! I love the leaf cutter bees .. are these the same type that dwell in Victoria, BC? I only see a blur when they zip by. Thanks!!

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:19 pm

      Yes, the Blue Banded Bee is in Vic too. And they are fast, zipping around the garden and chasing each other as if in play – very fast and agile flyers. These like to make their nests in clay, often at the base of an established plant that provides raised cover from the elements and makes it easy to tunnel amongst the roots. The Leaf Cutter is more likely to make a nest in a hollow of a certain size, like a bamboo or similar – rose leaves being a favourite material to line and seal with.

      Thanks Anne-Marie.

      • thedogwalkinggardener's avatar thedogwalkinggardener said, on 28/02/2019 at 10:11 am

        I know they are nesting in our yard, I caught a nano-second glimpse of one cutting a section of leaf! So fast, glad I didn’t blink. I see lots of the half circle cuts and only ever one sighting! I noticed 2 bees zipping into the ground beneath some sections of sidewalk in the backyard .. I tried to get a photo of them, but just got a blur! There were 2 of them about a few feet apart. I thought they were leafcutters, but really don’t know. I learned a lot about the varieties of bees when volunteering at Fort Rodd Hill. Honestly, I didn’t know very much about bees and quickly learned more. Now I have the book “Bees, Wasps, and Ants” by Eric Grissel, lots of photos, information. I’ll have this with me now in the garden .. always! Last summer I saw my first “digger bees” .. now that was fascinating to see them dig around in the sandy soil and finally choosing the perfect location (for nesting???) thank you for your amazing photos!!

      • thedogwalkinggardener's avatar thedogwalkinggardener said, on 28/02/2019 at 10:14 am

        Aha .. bamboo!! We have lots of bamboo plants and a great supply of the stakes! A few years ago I happened to see a bee enter a hollow stake!! So this year I have left the cut bamboo stakes alone (used for staking peas and beans) … if I do cut some of them up .. when would be the best time to do this, so that I don’t disturb any baby bees? Thanks!

        • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 1:10 pm

          Yes, it’s a pleasure to watch the various creatures come and go in the garden. And it sounds like you have a great garden with much habitat for the little ones.

          I would leave any work on their nest sites until they stop laying or coming and going, so you don’t interrupt their cycle. If you move things just be mindful of surrounds, shelter from the rain and wind, positioned for catching the morning sun, and such … Try things out, google it too.

          I have various nest types and sites in the garden and under the house, clay bricks drilled for anything that wants it – usually blue banded bees but other creatures take advantage, wooden posts drilled for the orange tail resin bee – again other creatures move in, to new and used nest sites – and various other bees and wasps. Dried out sunflower stalks work for a while, cut to lengths and tied in bundles and hung up sheltered from the rain. All sorts of things make habitat for small creatures.

          Thanks A M

  55. Book Club Mom's avatar Book Club Mom said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:30 am

    These pictures are so interesting. We spend so much time getting mad at bees, but this one, as you say, is a little beauty!

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 12:08 pm

      I’ve never been mad at bees, wary of them yes. Most bees are harmless, as long as they are handled carefully. Some social bees, which are the few of the many kinds of bee, have a reputation for aggression but they are just defensive, maybe a little touchy about it at times.

      • Book Club Mom's avatar Book Club Mom said, on 27/02/2019 at 9:08 pm

        I think wary is the better approach- I hadn’t been stung in years until I walked through a clover patch with sandals – I had forgotten how much it hurt to be stung. Of course I’m the one who messed with the bee…

        • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 12:46 pm

          They do love clover, the honey bee. And they sting more easily than others. Not their fault though, they can’t read our nature or intention. One Orange Tail Resin Bee stung me and I was only helping her up off the ground where the ants would get her. I still help them out of the water when they fall in.

  56. Soul Gifts's avatar Soul Gifts said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:28 am

    It’s good to meet these little beings in such close up. Our garden is full of them

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 12:03 pm

      Yes, it is. They are little beauties. They must be nesting near your garden so you might find them roosting at night on a thin stalk in some sheltered spot. Careful not to bump them.

  57. Reflections of an Untidy Mind's avatar Reflections of an Untidy Mind said, on 27/02/2019 at 10:42 am

    They are truly beautiful. Thank you for allowing us to see them up close. They move so fast, so I find them very hard to photograph.

  58. dailysimplemoments's avatar dailysimplemoments said, on 27/02/2019 at 10:04 am

    Wow thats beautiful

  59. आगे बढ़ो's avatar Gyan Sanchar said, on 27/02/2019 at 9:37 am

    Thanks very nice detail is very useful.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:53 am

      Thanks Gyan. Detail is sweetness to the eye that sees.

  60. brian2660's avatar brian2660 said, on 27/02/2019 at 8:25 am

    Great pictures, outstanding photography, You really captured the majestic quality for one of God creations. My hat off to you sir.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:52 am

      Thanks Brian. They are amazing little creatures, and just one of the many servants of Earth that keep the place functional and bright with flowers and food. We are lucky to have such a beautiful nature.

  61. Animal Blog_pro's avatar Animal Blog_pro said, on 27/02/2019 at 7:21 am

    💟💟Very cool

  62. singgehsosiality290594's avatar SINGGEH SOSIALITY said, on 27/02/2019 at 6:06 am

    NICE FRIEND 👍

  63. brokesingledad's avatar brokesingledad said, on 27/02/2019 at 5:11 am

    Very cool!

  64. Bharat Singh's avatar Bharat Singh said, on 27/02/2019 at 4:15 am

    Best neture beutiful 🐝.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:47 am

      Thanks Bharat. Little beauties all right.

  65. Patrice's avatar Patrice said, on 27/02/2019 at 3:56 am

    WOW!!! Spectacular <3

  66. Sukanya Saha's avatar Sukanya Saha said, on 27/02/2019 at 3:04 am

    I have never quite seen such beautifully detailed macro photography.. you must have mad skills and most importantly patience. Keep up the great work!

  67. salimlib's avatar salimlib said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:54 am

    Ry osam

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:41 am

      Not sure about that, but thanks anyway. :-)

  68. Michael Scandling's avatar Michael Scandling said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:21 am

    This is remarkable. It is like you have merged macro photography and fashion photography. Stunning.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:40 am

      Now you know where the fashion industry gets its inspiration … :-)

      In fact nature is inspiration for much else in our man made world.

      Thanks Michael.

  69. WolverineGoBlue's avatar WolverineGoBlue said, on 27/02/2019 at 1:10 am

    Awesome pics! Wow!

  70. Betul Erbasi's avatar Betul Erbasi said, on 27/02/2019 at 12:42 am

    Nice!

  71. Nature Speaks Volumes's avatar Nature Speaks Volumes said, on 27/02/2019 at 12:25 am

    Mark, I’ve never seen any bee photography in such great detail. I’m in awe.

  72. nilaeslit's avatar nila eslit said, on 27/02/2019 at 12:21 am

    Wow! It’s amazing to behold its beauty this close. I enjoy watching its fine lines and features, and natural color combination. Thanks for these beautiful photos. I must Share this.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:04 am

      It is, isn’t it … an amazing little thing, such finely sculpted creatures of impeccable nature performing an indispensable function, beautifully.

      Thanks Nila.

  73. frejatravels's avatar frejatravels said, on 27/02/2019 at 12:19 am

    Nice close ups – I like you can see all the different parts of the eyes so clearly.

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:07 am

      Yes, the detail attracts the eye that is made to see it.

      Thanks Freja.

  74. Jane Lurie's avatar Jane Lurie said, on 27/02/2019 at 12:18 am

    Incredible work, as always, Mark. Congratulations on your Discover feature! Well deserved.

  75. pflanzwas's avatar pflanzwas said, on 23/02/2019 at 8:50 am

    Wonderful pictures and the colours are so well chosen! With their big eyes they remind me of mascots. Lovely bees! I hope your knees and hands are well?! Hard work while she was asleep :-)

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 23/02/2019 at 1:59 pm

      Easier than when she’s awake, sweet little thing. Yes, all is well, just painting a picture for those who would.

      Thanks Almuth.

  76. niasunset's avatar niasunset said, on 22/02/2019 at 7:16 pm

    So beautiful, so big, so lovely… Amazing photographs you capture. Thank you, Love, nia

    • Mark's avatar Mark said, on 23/02/2019 at 1:09 am

      They are beauties all right.

      Thanks Nia.

  77. Karen Douglass's avatar Karen Douglass said, on 22/02/2019 at 5:07 am

    Nice one!


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