View Message

Aw, I used to be afraid of bees...had been stung as a child...but now I enjoy observing and photographing them. They are really quite lovely and furry, actually. In close up photos, they look like you ought to pet or even comb them, depending on the species. While out foraging, bees really aren't likely to attack; even Africanized bees are no more likely to attack than "normal" bees, while out feeding/collecting, it's just when their hive is approached or if they feel particularly threatened that they are a danger. When I'm taking pictures, I find that most bees don't mind me getting the camera quite close to them, as long as I don't make sudden moves, and they don't seem to like a shadow being suddenly cast over them. Anyhow, honey is a bonus and, as they pollinate the flowers which grow the food we all eat, they are rather essential.