Up at the allotment the globe artichokes we did not eat earlier in the summer are flowering, and the Red-tailed Bumblebees think all their breakfasts have come at once. In fact they’re trying to scoff them all at once too. The flower, after all, is a VERY BIG thistle. This makes me wonder if the huge expanse of ultra-violet attractant doesn’t over-stimulate the foraging impulse, thus explaining the manic bee rootling that has them scrabbling, bottoms up, through the petal forest to reach the sweet stuff beneath.
Those with longer legs seem to cope best, but I’ve already had to rescue two. They seem to become mired in the petals. Either that or they’re simply spaced out on the sugar rush.
I have never seen a red bumblebee before. It’s quite elegant and I bet all those boring yellow bees are envious of those fancy duds!
They are so smartly turned out too. Most appealing.
This question have no right answer, least of all “No not in this”… 😀
Amazing colors, excellent captured… 🙂
Cheers, Drake 🙂
Very good!
Superb photos of red bumblebees….!
The bees are very busy enjoying their feast. I never gave it much thought about artichokes, if not picked, goes to blooms. I go to the market by artichokes and eat then eat them. Their blooms are beautiful, no wonder the bees are drawn to them. Great pics Tish and I love the title of your blog.
Connie
Thanks a lot, Connie
I must proof read my replies better or wear my reading glasses.
Connie
I know this feeling – fingers do one thing, brain another. Glasses don’t always help either 🙂
🤗
Must be a bit like us scoffing fresh hot bread…..so delicious it’s hard to stop.
I think you put your finger on it 🙂
I’ve just been trying to photograph my neighbours fading ones, and failing in the breeze, one has a bee that overdosed and sadly met it’s maker.
I noticed that the petals are quite waxy. Am wondering if they aren’t entrapping the rather full bees as they try to retreat.
Beautiful images
Good one, Tish. If artichokes weren’t so tasty, I think more people would let them flower because they’re so beautiful. That color is gorgeous!