Leaf-Cutter Bee

[Hobie]

I was planting asters yesterday and noticed that bees kept flying past my head and... into the fieldstone barn foundation? When I looked, they all appeared (to these aging eyes) to be carrying a huge load of blue or green pollen. Every one. Seemed strange, so I left off planting, got my camera and waited. It appears I have leaf-cutter bees! I have never seen one before, but when I saw this lucky shot of it carrying the leaf, I knew at once. Incredible how they carry the leaf!

Dang that blade of grass....

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/SLaun/Bees/LeafCutterBee.jpg

[MichaelW]

Cool pick.
Here's a way to make some quicky nests to help them out.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=14404