First bumble bee shot of 2008

[LordV]

Seen a few bumble bees flying around since early January but this is the first one I've managed to get a shot of it when it decided the cold wind yesterday was a bit much and decided to cosy down in the centre of an echium plant. Bumble bee over 2cms body length.
last shot is a drone fly having comfy dreams on a camelia flower.

brian V.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/2265888169_325f627d9a_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2271/2265888171_b2f8cb01f8_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/2265888177_1c527d61e4_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/2265888181_4b702d569f_o.jpg

[racketman]

like the Drone best, seen a few Bumbles here too but then as it has been widely reported they no longer hibernate in the south.

[johnkermit1]

very nice, the details are awesome! i like the last one best!

[Attic]

The bee looks wrapped up for the cold, lovely set of shots ;)

[LordV]

Thanks for the comments :)

brian V.

[troypiggo]

He's a cute and cuddly one. I can't wait for you guys to get more bugs getting active and posting them. I can't get out enough now I'm back at work.

[bandit 1]

Hiya Brian,

Excellent series of shots, those Bumbles awkward subject IMO my favorite is the Drone just hope they all survive this cold snap that's comming in, tiz well frosty already here :rolleyes:

Cheers for now
Mark

[LindaB]

A superb set of shots Brian - bumble's are really difficult to get nice shots of especially getting detail like that, so these are really superb.

Of course the drone fly is stunning as well.

Linda

[Canonswhitelensesrule]

More incredible shots, Brian. One question...when you get that close to bees or wasps, have they ever stung you?

[photographer unknown]

That drone is especially nice!

[LordV]

Thanks again for looking and commenting everyone :)

CWLR - No never been stung when doing photography and that includes having bees or wasps on my hands :)

Brian V.

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

Superb, as always!

[Canonswhitelensesrule]

Thanks Brian. That's awesome. I'd be sweating bullets. I have a phobia about bees, wasps hornets etc. BTW, love how you've acronymed my user name. Much simpler that way. lol

[LordV]

Thanks Rick :)
Brian V.

[lcpete]

Hi Brian well done on finding bumbles already I havent seen a sausage up here yet
excellent shots
I agree, they are awkward to get nice shots of but these are great
Pete

[Photogirl2007]

Bumble bees always look cute and cuddly. A very nice series Brian. :) I am glad the insects are starting to show themselves again.They are definitely more interesting to see!!

[alliec]

Brilliant series Brian, Love the Drone fly and the Detail in the Bumble Bee. The flower is a great background for the Bumble.

[LordV]

Thanks Again for the comments :)
Joan - head on shots of bumble bees always remind me of American bison :)

Brian V.

[racketman]

its a female:

http://www.uksafari.com/bumblebees4.htm

[LordV]

its a female:

http://www.uksafari.com/bumblebees4.htm
Ha Ha- clever clogs :)

Suspect the same is true for any colonial wasps you see at this time of year.

Brian V.