Nature's Place

Blue Banded Bee …

Posted in Bee, Consciousness, Insects, Life, Love, Macro Photography, Meditation, Nature, Photography, Relaxation, Spirituality, Sustainability, Truth? by Mark on 22/02/2019

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 comments

180 Responses

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

    Thanks!

    Reply
  2. 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!❤️

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 22/02/2020 at 4:44 pm

      Thanks Ritisha.

      Reply
      • 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

        Reply
        • Mark said, on 27/02/2020 at 10:23 am

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

          Reply
  3. LiveHealthyMama said, on 01/04/2019 at 1:07 am

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

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 01/04/2019 at 2:20 pm

      The lively intelligence of our garden sprites.

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

    I liked the close-up shots.
    🐝💙

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 27/03/2019 at 8:42 pm

      They are nice, and a great little model too.

      Reply
  5. ecopoet said, on 24/03/2019 at 10:19 am

    Amazing photos

    Reply
  6. 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!!

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 24/03/2019 at 9:24 am

      I thought it worked ok too.

      Thanks JD.

      Reply
  7. bollywoodfilmygossip said, on 16/03/2019 at 7:02 am

    WOW!!!

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

    INCREADIBLE MOMENTS.

    Reply
  9. aboutjaisalmer said, on 10/03/2019 at 2:23 pm

    Nice pictures

    Reply
  10. Bhuvi said, on 10/03/2019 at 7:54 am

    Amazing pics! Thanks for sharing ☺️♥️

    Reply
  11. emmapearn said, on 10/03/2019 at 7:26 am

    How big are they and where are they found please?

    Reply
  12. theartblogger54 said, on 08/03/2019 at 11:18 pm

    superb photo’s

    Reply
  13. Aangi said, on 08/03/2019 at 5:03 pm

    Photographs 💜

    Reply
  14. 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

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 08/03/2019 at 1:18 am

      It is a beauty, isn’t it.

      Thanks Kerri.

      Reply
  15. joyassima said, on 07/03/2019 at 1:12 am

    Interesting
    This shows nature is beautiful
    Nice photography

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

    Wonderful photos!

    Reply
  17. guidetogrowingchildren said, on 06/03/2019 at 1:37 pm

    Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

    Reply
  18. masamune52913 said, on 05/03/2019 at 12:30 am

    Beautiful 😍

    Reply
  19. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  20. 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.

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

    Nice Photos.

    Actually very good & clever photography.

    Reply
  22. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  23. cryptongue said, on 03/03/2019 at 12:03 pm

    Awesomeness

    Reply
  24. highlandgirl5 said, on 03/03/2019 at 12:22 am

    Beautiful photos!

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

    Yes, photos are beautiful 😍

    Reply
  26. dikshakakkar31994 said, on 02/03/2019 at 4:04 am

    amazing

    Reply
  27. Anamika said, on 01/03/2019 at 5:11 pm

    Wow

    Reply
  28. payapenny said, on 01/03/2019 at 3:55 pm

    Wow! Bee-utiful!!

    Reply
  29. Ihagh G. T. said, on 01/03/2019 at 3:28 pm

    👍👍👍… interesting and visually appealing

    Reply
  30. 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

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 01/03/2019 at 4:42 pm

      A beautiful bee indeed.

      Thanks GW…

      Reply
  31. David Riley said, on 01/03/2019 at 2:48 pm

    Good picture quality.

    Reply
  32. MyStoriesWithMusic said, on 01/03/2019 at 2:37 am

    I love this! 😀

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 01/03/2019 at 10:29 am

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

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

    Totally excellent!

    Reply
  34. Rapmajor said, on 01/03/2019 at 1:53 am

    I never realized the true beauty of bees! Amazing photography

    Reply
    • 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…

      Reply
  35. amjshots said, on 01/03/2019 at 1:24 am

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

    Reply
  36. Suraj said, on 01/03/2019 at 1:18 am

    Beautiful

    Reply
  37. tedloveslucy said, on 28/02/2019 at 10:49 pm

    Fabulous photography

    Reply
  38. 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!

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  39. kevinalrino said, on 28/02/2019 at 2:14 pm

    Its cool!

    Reply
  40. 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.

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 1:11 pm

      I’m posting them throughout the year.

      Thanks Zee…

      Reply
  41. mehak bhutani said, on 28/02/2019 at 5:28 am

    Nice one 💓

    Reply
  42. tinycaravan said, on 28/02/2019 at 4:35 am

    Wowww! These are amazing!

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

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

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

    It’s such a bizarre and beautiful creature!

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 12:48 pm

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

      Reply
  45. Sup_Arna said, on 28/02/2019 at 12:23 am

    These are amazing 🤩

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 28/02/2019 at 12:47 pm

      They are that, amazing little earth engines.

      Reply
      • Sup_Arna said, on 28/02/2019 at 4:33 pm

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

        Reply
        • 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.

          Reply
  46. grt2172 said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:19 pm

    nice shots

    Reply
  47. Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 6:54 pm

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

    Reply
  48. 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…

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
      • Mitchel Ring said, on 27/02/2019 at 4:50 pm

        Who knows man I’ve never been a bee 😂

        Reply
        • 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? :-)

          Reply
  49. scenteddiary said, on 27/02/2019 at 4:20 pm

    Very interesting!!

    Reply
  50. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
      • 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.

        Reply
        • 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’.

          Reply
  51. tokoda98 said, on 27/02/2019 at 3:19 pm

    This is an interesting post

    Reply
  52. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
      • 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

        Reply
  53. sanctify36 said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:05 pm

    So beautiful

    Reply
  54. 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!!

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
      • 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!!

        Reply
      • 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!

        Reply
        • 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

          Reply
  55. 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!

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
      • 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…

        Reply
        • 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.

          Reply
  56. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  57. 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.

    Reply
  58. dailysimplemoments said, on 27/02/2019 at 10:04 am

    Wow thats beautiful

    Reply
  59. Gyan Sanchar said, on 27/02/2019 at 9:37 am

    Thanks very nice detail is very useful.

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:53 am

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

      Reply
  60. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

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

    💟💟Very cool

    Reply
  62. SINGGEH SOSIALITY said, on 27/02/2019 at 6:06 am

    NICE FRIEND 👍

    Reply
  63. brokesingledad said, on 27/02/2019 at 5:11 am

    Very cool!

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

    Best neture beutiful 🐝.

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:47 am

      Thanks Bharat. Little beauties all right.

      Reply
  65. Patrice said, on 27/02/2019 at 3:56 am

    WOW!!! Spectacular <3

    Reply
  66. 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!

    Reply
  67. salimlib said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:54 am

    Ry osam

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 11:41 am

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

      Reply
  68. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  69. WolverineGoBlue said, on 27/02/2019 at 1:10 am

    Awesome pics! Wow!

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

    Nice!

    Reply
  71. 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.

    Reply
  72. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  73. 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.

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 27/02/2019 at 2:07 am

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

      Thanks Freja.

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

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

    Reply
  75. 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 :-)

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  76. niasunset said, on 22/02/2019 at 7:16 pm

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

    Reply
    • Mark said, on 23/02/2019 at 1:09 am

      They are beauties all right.

      Thanks Nia.

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

    Nice one!

    Reply

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