Flowers and bees have proven to be irresistible subject matters for me. Recently, I went to a Harvest Festival at Tucson Village Farms and found a plethora of photographic material. I didn't bring a tripod and these were all taken handheld with a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Camera. It's a nicely priced, moderate quality, lens and one I like to use for public events; this way, I can zoom in on the humans without distracting their scene. I'll share those images too, now that I mentioned the event. |
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Bats usually aren't on my radar...get it? However, the other night I caught glimpse of them devouring nectar from a kitchen window feeder. Leaving a chandelier on inside and grabbing my camera, the light was perfect for some attempts at a photo. I stayed in the house like a big chicken, so the photos are soft due to window glass. Either way, a photo is worth a thousand words, so I'll let them speak for me. Located on the east side of Tucson, Mesquite Valley Growers is a wonderful place to brush up on your photography skills, given the twenty acres of property to peruse.
Having asked permission to take photos with each visit, I can attest to the fact that the staff are usually genuine and welcoming. Internet reviews for service fluctuate, however reviews for aesthetics are always high. It's just a gorgeous place. Experienced nurserymen float about answering any questions you may have and most seem interested in helping any way they can. The nursery layout is signed well and self explanatory. And, the garden arrangements are inviting. Clusters of pottery shine brightly in the desert sun. Most photographers find capturing a butterfly a challenge. I know I do.
Did I get the antennae in focus? Is the shot well composed? Do I have enough light? Oh, wait, shoot...it flew away. You chase it down and try again: They're so pretty and worth every bit of time it takes to get that perfect shot. I have a few that make me smile, and those are the one's I'd like to share with you! Truth be told, I don't particularly care for bees. Being stung in the face as a kid may have something to do with that issue? However, I totally see how important bees are to our environment (more on that below) and have been giving some serious thought about raising honeybees. Feeding hummingbirds nectar has helped me overcome some of my fear. A few years ago I would've run from a bee like my hair was on fire. Now, not that I'm super cool with it, I can collect an empty nectar feeder and shake off the bees. <patting myself on the back>
Anyway, I'm not sure what type of bees these second bees are...if you know, feel free to comment! It's blooming hot in Arizona right now. I'm surprised anything is still alive with this heat. We've added some serious scheduled water timers to the yard plants and even that hasn't kept our citrus trees very happy. We just do our best and light candles for those plants hanging on the edge of death. If they make it until September/October...then they will usually live another season!
Here are a few of the happy bloomers... |
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