Wednesday (25-May-2011) — New Jersey

Backyard Springtime Nature in New Jersey.

Images of Bumble and Carpenter Bees taken in my backyard this afternoon with a macro lens. The Bumble Bees were working the fast fading Rhododendron flowers for any remaining pollen. The male Carpenter Bees appeared to be flying stationary guarding territory — only moving when challenged by another male. The down side of the Carpenter Bees is the large holes that they drill into the wood around the house for their nests.

Bumble Bee Working Old Rhododendron Flower for Pollen. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 100, 210 mm, f/7.1, 1/200 sec). (David J Mathre)
Bumble Bee Working Old Rhododendron Flower for Pollen. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 100, 210 mm, f/7.1, 1/200 sec).
Male Eastern Carpenter Bee Guarding Territory. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 800, 210 mm, f/13, 1/640 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One 6 Pro, Focus Magic, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)
Male Eastern Carpenter Bee Guarding Territory. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 800, 210 mm, f/13, 1/640 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One 6 Pro, Focus Magic, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5.
Male Eastern Carpenter Bee Guarding Territory. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 800, 210 mm, f/13, 1/640 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One 6 Pro, Focus Magic, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)
Male Eastern Carpenter Bee Guarding Territory. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 800, 210 mm, f/13, 1/640 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One 6 Pro, Focus Magic, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5.
Male Eastern Carpenter Bee Guarding Territory. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 800, 210 mm, f/13, 1/640 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One 6 Pro, Focus Magic, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)
Male Eastern Carpenter Bee Guarding Territory. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 800, 210 mm, f/13, 1/640 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One 6 Pro, Focus Magic, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5.
Male Eastern Carpenter Bee Guarding Territory. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 800, 210 mm, f/13, 1/640 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One 6 Pro, Focus Magic, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)
Male Eastern Carpenter Bee Guarding Territory. Image taken with a Nikon D3x and 105 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Macro + TC-E 20 teleconverter (ISO 800, 210 mm, f/13, 1/640 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One 6 Pro, Focus Magic, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5.

Author: David Mathre

I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.

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