Flagstaff August Part Three
Butterflies only come out on sunny days so I didn’t see many. Wildflowers were also spotty but I did manage to get some photos of both. I’ll start with the butterflies and bugs and follow up with Wildflowers. Read more
Posts from the ‘Bees’ Category
Aug 31
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Aug 12
Flagstaff Part Four-Critters
Besides Fungi, I also love to photograph butterflies, bugs and all critters, for that matter! Because of the lack of sun, Butterflies were scarce this trip but I was happy to see and photograph at least a few Fritillaries. Read more
May 30
Flying Insect Surveys
Currently, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s Field Institute is conducting surveys of ALL LIFE in the Preserve. These surveys will continue for the next few years and I’m so happy to be a part of them! My very favorites of these surveys are Flora, Flying Insects, Birds and Herps. With the exception of Flora (which I collect and document), my primary goal on the surveys is to photograph the outings. I then donate the images to the Conservancy for use on their website and/or printed material. A bonus for me is the education I’m receiving. Love it!
Below are photos from our most recent flying insect survey. Sorry for all the “unidentified”. Our experts are really busy. I must purchase bug books! Read more
Feb 17
Scouting for Pollen
The Conservancy’s Field Institute is in full swing again with the ongoing surveys. I’m involved with several of them including Ground Dwelling Insects, Birds and Flora. Most surveys involve quite a bit of hiking to get to the locations designated to survey. Yesterday I went on a long and difficult hike that took us down (and then up!) the most difficult trail in the Preserve “East End”. The goal was to collect specimens of Owls Clover but I also took a little time to photograph the large patches of poppies in the area. I took my trusty Canon compact which served me well! (please also follow me on Google Plus: http://plus.google.com/u/0/100490891827279157919/posts)
May 28
Saguaro Cactus Blooms
With all the other cactus putting on such a good show this year, I am surprised our Saguaros are not as full of blooms as past years. Another thing I’ve noticed is a lower population of bees. This image was captured a few years ago.
May 20
Sonoran Desert Bees
According to Stephan Buchman, there might be as many as 1000 species of native bees in the Sonoran Desert. Many are very small and some are brilliantly colored but best of all, most are solitary which makes them not as threatening as the European honey bee. They are all fascinating to watch as they fly in and out of holes in the ground, trees, or even spaces between blocks. (Solitary Bee loading up on pollen from an Echinopsis)
May 4
Cactus Bloom and Pollinator
Blooms are numerous on our cactus this Spring! This gorgeous orangy-red specimen is another of the non-natives in my yard. Capturing a fast moving native bee is always a bonus!
Jul 11
Beeautiful!
Monument Plant, Elkweed or Deer’s Ears….whatever you call it….it is definitely one of the most interesting flowers I’ve ever seen! Since I’ve posted photos of this flower before, I decided to give this a Topaz filter treatment. Canon 24-105mm @73mm. ISO 400, 1/400 sec At f/5.
