Honey bee at work in our redbud tree, Fairfield Glade, Tennessee. April 14, 2010.
Have you heard of CCD? Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder?
In the past few weeks I have read or seen stories about the disappearing honey bees. It’s a cause for concern because honey bees pollinate a sizable portion of our fruits and vegetables. The causes of the collapse are not well understood, but bee keepers are having some success in rebuilding colonies.
I was working in the yard yesterday near our redbud tree when I heard buzzing. Looking around I found a couple of bumble bees flitting about. I went in to get my camera, but by the time I got back the bumble bees were gone. I did, however, find a couple of honey bees hard at work.
I haven’t heard of any problems with the bigger bumble bees, so I imagine I can try to capture a picture of them just about any time. Under the circumstances I’m glad I found these hard-working honey bees.
Senior Moments 
April 15, 2010 at 6:48 am |
What a beautiful capture George.
I also have read about this issue with the bees. I even planted lots of sunflowers around my veggie garden area to attract bees…hoping they keep on pollinating.
April 15, 2010 at 7:32 am |
You did get great shots of them.Have a lovely day.
Blessings,Ruth
April 15, 2010 at 7:33 am |
Oh yes, I have definitely heard of the honey bee decline. Luckily I am seeing a few at work. Now those bumble bees are a buzz everywhere.
Tell Betsy I have tried to load her site twice now and can’t get it to come up. Will try later.
April 15, 2010 at 8:04 am |
George: Nice to see the bees being very busy.
April 15, 2010 at 8:24 am |
Oh Oh OH! That’s sooo pretty! Beautiful beautiful spring!!!
April 15, 2010 at 8:29 am |
It’s always a treat to see honeybees. Nice photographs.
April 15, 2010 at 8:33 am |
Interesting about the decline of the honeybees – will have to google for more info. It wouldn’t surprise me though, considering what’s happening to our air quality all around the globe. Don’t know the different kinds of bees – but these look like the wasps we have around here – an elongated body. As long as they are doing the pollinating and keep away from us I’m fine!!
April 15, 2010 at 8:56 am |
I guess they love all your blooms too.
Be careful using your macro lens on Them. ha.
April 15, 2010 at 8:57 am |
I can’t imagine a world without honey bees, but have seen similar worrisome messages about their problems. I hope that bee keepers can help save them.
April 15, 2010 at 10:01 am |
Busy as a bee they say. Whoever ‘they’ are. I like the hardworking bees. MB
April 15, 2010 at 10:06 am |
Yes, I have been reading about the disapperring honeybees. I guess no one knows why yet. Beautiful pictures. I’m trying to get some good ones, but am afraid of getting too close and being stung. I’ve not gotten a really good picture yet.
April 15, 2010 at 10:35 am |
I’ve heard about the disappearing honey bees too but I’ve seen them around here.
Great shot of the bees at work.
April 15, 2010 at 11:02 am |
Yes, I have been hearing of it for a long, long time. At the orchard, they had a couple hives of bees…actually had more and some of them died out…then we started ‘renting’ hives during the blooming period.
April 15, 2010 at 5:26 pm |
Nicely captured George.
April 15, 2010 at 5:43 pm |
I too have heard of disappearing bees. I did see one the other day while I sat outside. Hopefully many more will soon show up.
April 15, 2010 at 6:51 pm |
You know we were listening to NPR about this subject a few weeks ago. I can’t really remember if they found the culprit to this but they expounded a lot on how the hives work and the bees during climatic changes.
I don’t see much bees in my yard; I probably don’t have the type of flowers they like anyway.