The White-shouldered Bumble Bee (Bombus appositus), is common in the western states at higher elevations including the Sierra Nevada, Cascades and Rocky Mountain meadows and slopes. The species is less common in coastal areas. The female bees in these photos are feeding on Wild Bergamot. This species of bumble bee has a long tongue that… Continue reading White-Shouldered Bumble Bee
Variations of Form
On a day of her choosing, summer exiles her vernal sister. Dispatched from the realm with a sidelong scorch, spring retreats. Eager seeds, too long in slumber, awaken beneath her footsteps. Their coats crack open. Spines of bright chlorophyll unfurl, an Homage of leaflets, tender cairns that mark her journey. As a mountain lion she… Continue reading Variations of Form
Triptych
Panel One: a male Valley Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa sonorina), collects nectar from Narrow Leaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) blossoms. On the Sunrise Trail in Conejo Open Space, May 27, 2022. Panel Two: a Lorquin’s Admiral (Limenitis lorquini) collects nectar from Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) blossoms. On the Sunrise Trail in Conejo Open Space, May 27, 2022.… Continue reading Triptych
Costa’s Hummingbird
I lived in Tucson, Arizona during the month of November, 2023. These screenshots are from a video I took at the Tohono Chul Botanical Garden during my visit there. I used my iPhone camera. The white background of a wall behind the action was really helpful with getting some definition and the colors to stand… Continue reading Costa’s Hummingbird