Red Tailed Bumblebee

Much of our local wildlife hasn't enjoyed this damp summer yet some, unexpectedly, seem to have done rather well. This is certainly true of the local bumblebee population, of which this common, but very pretty species, the red tailed bumblebee Bombus lapidarius, is one. It's a worker - the male has yellow stripes - and it was busy amongst the flowers in our front garden.

It's true of my efforts that luck has more to do with getting a good picture than skill. This little bee was good enough to ignore the intrusive lens and hover for just long enough to catch it in flight.