Honey Bee and Rubber Rabbitbrush – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I wanted to share this photo of a roadside Western Honey Bee in a Rubber Rabbitbrush this morning because when I look at it I think of fall. Rubber Rabbitbrush is currently in bloom, and Western Honey Bees and other native bees can be found buzzing around clumps of these native yellow wildflowers. Blooming from midsummer into fall, Rubber Rabbitbrush reminds me that days are gradually getting cooler in northern Utah.
Two days ago, I noticed several large clumps of rabbitbrush next to one of the roads at Farmington Bay WMA. Bees were flying from clump to clump, gathering pollen to prepare for the cold weather ahead.
During the winter, I will miss the bees and these wildflowers. I’ll still see the rabbitbrush but it will be covered in fluffy seeds and possibly snow. For now, I am enjoying the sunny yellow blossoms and observing the bees that they attract.
Rubber Rabbitbrush is a perennial native to the arid regions of western North America. Western Honey Bees aren’t native to North America. These bees arrived here with human help and are now in decline in their native habitat in Europe.
Life is good. Bee Happy!
Mia
Click here to see more of my insect and spider images. Click here to see more of my wildflower, shrub and tree photos.
A beautiful shot. We have the bees (also an import) but not the rabbitbush. Though we have rather a lot of rabbits.
Amazing shot Mia, something i wouldn’t even think of trying. Might just have to try expanding my horizons. Thanks for sharing!