Working the Blossoms

A yellow beauty gets ready to move on.

There has not been as many this year.  Nor have they arrived as early as in prior seasons.  But they finally arrived:  first the bees, then the butterflies.  The former like both our back and front yard gardens. 

The butterflies, though, prefer the front yard where they find an abundance of fragrant Russian Sage blooms complemented by an assortment of colorful Buddleia, commonly known as butterfly bushes.

Both flying species are tireless and diligent workers, showing up early and not retiring until sunset.  Don’t know where they get all that energy!  But the season is short and, as the old farmer’s saying goes, “Make hay while the sun shines.”

I’ve noticed that bees and butterflies seem to have a smoother time of it as they gather nectar while the air is perfectly still.  Both seem to work harder when there is a solid breeze going, especially the butterflies. 

But they are well designed by nature for their tasks.  Evolutionary development has honed their skills to the point that they can hang on tightly to their food sources no matter what the wind does.

A bee savors one of its favorite
nectar sources.

Their movements and tactics are amazing as they go about their daily routines.  I especially like the tenacity with which a butterfly will cling to the large conical flower cluster of a Buddleia bush, gyrating in a myriad of positions, defying the wind working against its large wings.

Did you know that honey bees won’t bother you if you let them go about their business? 

I’ve come as close as I possibly can in the midst of clustered bees, camera in hand, capturing their movements as they fly around and alight upon flower blossoms.  Never have I been threatened by them. 

They simply avoid my presence, coming within inches as I move around, looking for the right photo angle.  Live and let live. 

Thanks for checking in.  I hope that your internal weather condition has been as good today as that which has descended upon this area.