When I said that the bees changed everything, I meant it. I did not expect it to change... well, me. I have always been "outdoorsy". I love camping. I rock climb, hike and enjoy being in nature. But bugs? Bugs I could have always done without! But something's different. Now that we have bees, I find myself walking toward the insects.
Camera in hand, I have been trying to capture exactly how our yard and really, our world has changed since the bees arrived. We've seen bumblebees (not so rare), hoverfly's (they look like bees, but aren't), and hummingbird moths. So, everyone knows a bumblebee when they see it, right? I am embarrassed to say I just thought they were queen honey bees. I know, I know.. but I wasn't his wife then and he wasn't a beekeeper, so I feel a little better about it (just a little).
Your average bumblebee
Hummingbird moth. Much larger than the picture shows.
Hoverfly. Looks just like a bee!
Hoverfly's are new for me. They mimic bees and hornets, but they fly in this odd pattern shifting direction like they are on a swivel. I thought it was a bee that was really good at flying at first. Although hummingbird moths are new to me and my experience in Maine, I have seen them before. But that was in the South of France. I had no idea they lived here as well. So odd, but so beautiful!
I still get jumpy when a larger insect flies at my head (I screamed and threw myself across the yard because a butterfly came into my periphery), but I am getting used to welcoming them into my space.
Just one of the many perks of having the bees.
Thanks for listening to me buzz!
~ The Beekeeper's Wife
