Megachilid genera are most commonly known as mason bees and leaf cutter bees. Now, to be honest, when I saw this yellow-bellied bee, I didn't hive a clue what kind it was, and did some Google research and found it. And, don't laugh, but when I read its scientific name I suffered a bit and read it as Mega Child. rofl
Anyway, unlike honey bees that collect the pollen on its hind legs, this particular bee gathers the pollen on its abdomen. Personally, I like the yellow rump!!!
[the first photo has no bee, so you can stop looking for it!]
Now this is pure cuteness. At a city park lake, I spied a new family of Muscovy Ducks and couldn't resist snapping the adorable balls of yellow and brown fluff. An older gentleman [What am I saying here? He was probably close to my age!!!] was nearby and was feeding all the ducks, geese, pigeons and gulls - spreading buckets of bird seed and then went back to the car and from the trunk, grabbed loaves of bread. The ducklings were in there trying to grab the bits and pieces of bread, the adult birds reminded them of the Peking order and a few were successful. The event, while I was there, went swimmingly...
Polka dot chicks, adorable!! I know that YOU know that bread is very bad for ducks and will eventually kill them. Our local duck pond has a sign to that effect. SUPER photos of this unusual bee, you did great research! That is one scary looking creature!! It looks very dangerous, and I would run screaming.
ReplyDeleteYa, something like Angel Wing Disease or something like that? But, I don't think it kills them, other than not being able to fly from predators, and to me feeding the ducks and geese in parks where there is no need to fly, and grass is available for their nutrition it's not harming them - I remember a city park in Colorado where they were always being fed by families [with bread] and even the Canada Geese there had the ability to fly and migrate!!
DeleteAnd the bee is actually harmless Ginny.
Well I'll be, that bee is a perfect match for the sunflower.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the ducklings. they are so adorable
LOL...love the play on words today Ann. You're on a roll.
DeleteHow did you know I spent all that time in the first photo looking for the bee? I didn't know that about mason bees, and yes, that is definitely a cuteness overload of fluff! :-)
ReplyDeleteI just knew it!! Someone was bound to search for the bee when in fact it wasn't there. rofl
Deletewhile peking at your ducks I found myself with a big silly grin on my face. they are just beyond adorable... the bee rump is cute to. I have not heard of this kind of bee. and I was crazy. I read your title as Mega Child? No, Mega Child... did not even notice the different spelling until I read the post. you know I love thepuns
ReplyDeleteI thought of you when I used 'em....you've influenced a lot of us bloggers with word play.
DeleteYou always brighten my day and your blossoms are something special but then you post the cutest of cute! Thanks for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen.
DeleteI've never in my life seen one of those bees before! I hope I get to, now that I've seen your photos!
ReplyDeleteThe baby ducks make me miss the ranch! Eggs are always hatching there so there's always babies of some kind. When I go down to do the Critter Chores it's not unusual to see a goose or duck egg just laying on the ground in a seemingly random place! Great photos - as always!
Guess these bees are everywhere...so perhaps you'll see one sometime soon.
DeleteI'll bee darned. You are a tricky tricky lady! Of course I looked for the bee. I, too believe that bread is bad for ducks, geese and especially swans. What a wonderful series of pictures! Loved them ALL!
ReplyDeletelol, I kinda figured some would do a bee search.
DeleteThe ducklings are too cute.
ReplyDeleteI agree....they are so cute!
DeleteI've never seen a bee like that.OK,those ducklings completely steal the show in this post.They are adorable.
ReplyDeleteAren't they darling? Thanks Ruth...it's good to know you enjoyed their photos.
DeleteAnni..I am sorry that the linky wasn't working and I am going to add this into the now working Nature Notes linky....Love the ducklings and the bees...Glad they were putting out bird seed too as bread isn't good for the little ones......Michelle
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Michelle! I appreciate your extra mile you took to help out today.
DeleteThe baby ducks steal the show ~ awesome photos ~ and love the bee with the yellow rump ~ great photos all ~ thanks, ^_^
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, Carol!
DeleteI definitely like the yellow rump on the bee. Cute
ReplyDeleteSweet, huh? lol....thanks, Carol
DeleteI am thinking this Mason Bee isn't the same as the local "wood bee" that is making holes in our garage posts! Sweet ducks!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, It sounds like you have carpenter bees!
DeleteMichelle...oops I was getting ready to mention Carpenter Bees, but Ms. G beat me to it.
DeleteMs. G....great minds think alike.
DeleteI never heard of those bees, but they sure are big! I love the ducks!
ReplyDeleteNah...not really all that big, just looks big 'cause I zoomed in on it.
DeleteOh, my goodness, this post is full of cuteness from beginning to end. I don't think I have ever seen that type of bee...I bet I might never have caught that it wasn't Megachild...
ReplyDeleteMy eyes played tricks on me....but when I went to type it up in the post, I saw my error in ways. lol
DeleteLove the little ducks! Pretty flowers, and interesting information about the bees
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
Thanks Lea....have a wonderful day yourself!!!
DeleteNature at its best.. thanks for the peek!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this Mr. B
DeleteThis is priceless!!! reason I love shooting nature.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
Gina
Thanks Gina...
DeleteI tried to visit with you, but you're on Google Plus and I can't find your blog listed anywhere.
Such cute photos of the pollen-bum bee and sweet little ducklings! Makes me smile :) x K
ReplyDeleteThese days, a good thing to do is....smile!!!!
Delete