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WC #359 - Killer Bees
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WC #359 - Killer Bees

by Richard Ditch

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted November 26, 2008337 views7 comments
Bee Swarm
Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
April 20, 2008
Nikon D200, AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
ISO 200, 1/250th @ f/9
Raw, PSCS3 on Mac G4

A bit more scary for me than rattlesnakes, the assumption these days is any swarm of bees away from a managed hive is probably Africanized (i.e., "killer" bees). They can occur anywhere, like this swarm that formed on the access plate over a control valve at the Water Ranch. I took a quick shot with my bird lens and moved on as quickly as I could.

Comments

7 comments
Comment posted by Mia McPherson on November 27, 2008 at 5:05 PM
This is a wonderful example of this week's theme Richard. Outstanding DOF and detail, great comp.

Excellent as posted.
Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments
Comment posted by Barbara Logan on November 28, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Being allegic to all bees, I would have had a hard time getting this photo! Thanks for sharing!
Registered on October 26, 2007, 38 Posts, 117 Comments
Comment posted by Rob Graham on November 28, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Amazing detail Richard. I personally would have preferred a 500mm lens with 2x adapter if I was trying for the shot :).
Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Olsen on November 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Now....that's a BUNCH of bees!!
Nicely done Richard
:toast:
Registered on October 19, 2006, 306 Posts, 1571 Comments
Comment posted by Stan Rose on November 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
What's all this buzz about? :biggrin:
Great shot, Rich, definitely a problem (as is the demise of honey bees)
Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments
Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on December 2, 2008 at 3:24 PM
I think the hair would have been standing up on the back of my neck had I encounter this scene. Well captured Richard. Congrats on the EP! :toast:
Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 3, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Congratulations, Richard! I certainly understand the reaction. :toast:
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments