What are these bees gathering

[Stuart Wildlife]

I was wondering if these bees would be gathering anything other than water - I've seen my bees collecting water however these are a few feet from the water and seem very focused on the sandy areas only. Any thoughts??

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[JClark]

Minerals/salts.

[Stuart Wildlife]

Thank you - I didn't realize that they needed certain minerals.

[kellymt]

I had one on my leg one morning. I felt she might be collecting Salts and minerals from my skin.