To get past our fear of flying insects it is important to meet them and say hello. Insect scientists group insects into different clans. One of the characteristics to observe is the kind of wings it has.
Bees are grouped with the wasps and ants. Some bees are named for their trades and the types of nests they build. Clay and mud, wooly hairs, bits of wood, green leaves. Bees are master builders and architects.
How social is the bee? Does it live in a little hole by itself, in a hole surrounded by other holes, or in a huge nest ?
If the bee collects pollen, where does she store it as she travels to the next flower?
How many babies in each little nursery cell? One to many?
What sort of structure? Is it waterproof? Who brings food to the young?
Some bees live as parasites on other bees. Survival and another day staring at flowers.
Not all flowers are quick to let go of their precious pollen. Some take just the right touch.
One time up in the mountains I thought the earth was rumbling and granite was shaking. Turns out it was a dead tree humming with activity.
The ovipositor is the egg laying device that sticks out the back of the abdomen of female bees and wasps. In some instances, It is modified into a stinger. Poison and power, life and birth.
Bees are awesome!
Funny thing is, it seems that once an idea is lit up in one’s mind, it does these loops and starts to show up everywhere. Yesterday, dreaming of bees, I came upon this scene.
Then this:
And here they were – at the edge of the sea. Rock rock Rockaway Beach! This ones in Pacifica. 2-3 foot shifty watery claws! GO!!!!!
Mission Azul 