Leaf Cutter Bee

[Jim B.]

On an Elder tree flower cluster.



5DII 100 macro f/4.5 ISO 400 1/800"

C&C always appreciated.

[jiro]

On an Elder tree flower cluster.



5DII 100 macro f/4.5 ISO 400 1/800"

C&C always appreciated.

Stellar, Jim! A definite winner for me on all aspects! I want a 5D! Hahaha!

[Geoff F]

I would be tempted to crop a little bit tighter to give more emphasis to the bee. I think you could lose a bit from the bottom and left side.

Incidentally, does anybody else put up bee nest sites? I just drilled some holes in a block of wood and the first year I never had a single 'guest'. This Spring I moved it to a different location and every hole has been filled.

[Jim B.]

Thanks,Geoff,I'll give the crop you suggest a go.
I've not done the bees nest sites.What do you think about me drilling some holes in a small cherry log? Should I drill different diameters and depths?

[Geoff F]

Jim. You may find this topic on a UK wildlife site of interest http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...-too-many.html

I will try to take a quick snap of my 'nest block' tomorrow. But basically, what you suggest sounds a good idea.

Drill 8 or 10 mm holes around 3 or 4 ins deep. They are usually angled horizontally or slightly upward so that they don't get saturated by rainwater.

The ideal position is in a sunny location with the entrance holes facing the morning sun. I screwed my block to the outside of my work shed around 5 ft from the ground but lower heights can also work.

I don't know about the timing of your bees but if you are too late for this year the system should be well weathered and in perfect condition for next year.

And there is a lot of information on this Bee/wasp recording site

http://www.bwars.com/bwars_information_sheets.htm

It is a UK site but I expect that a lot of the information will apply to other countries.

[Geoff F]

And here is a quick shot of my 'bee hotel'



The larger bottom section is an area for other insects.

Note how the filled bee holes have been blocked over with mud which has baked hard. But the house next door is currently a building site so the bees may have nicked a bit of cement.

[Jim B.]

Geoff,thanks for the links and the illustration,instructions.
It's too late in the spring here to expect any tenants,but I will go ahead and set up a couple of "bee hotels" for next season.I already have an idea how to get them mounted up to the 5' mark.