I spend a lot of time photographing wildlife, but some of the most interesting moments happen close to home. This image of a honey bee getting water was taken right in my yard here in Arkansas. It is a simple scene, but it highlights behavior that often goes unnoticed.
On a warm summer day, I noticed a honey bee hovering near the edge of my birdbath. Instead of flying off, it settled down and began drinking. I grabbed my camera and photographed the bee as it carefully sipped water. Moments like this remind me that wildlife photography does not always require traveling far or chasing dramatic action.
I have seen similar activity at this same birdbath during other seasons, including a moment when a Tufted Titmouse encountered a honey bee at the water’s edge, which I photographed at a different time of year.
Observing Honey Bee Behavior Around Water
Honey bees regularly visit shallow water sources, especially during hot weather. The birdbath in my yard provides an easy place for them to land and drink safely. Watching this bee move along the water’s edge gave me time to slow down and focus on details like wing position and body posture.
Photographing this moment reinforced how important small backyard habitats can be for pollinators. Even something as simple as a birdbath can support honey bees during the heat of summer.
Wildlife Notes: Why Honey Bees Collect Water
Honey bees collect water for more than just drinking. They carry water back to the hive and use it to regulate temperature. On hot days, bees spread water inside the hive and fan their wings to cool it down.
For a practical breakdown of why water sources matter for honey bees, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture explains how bees use water to support hive health during hot weather.
This cooling behavior helps protect developing larvae and keeps the colony functioning during extreme heat. Seeing a honey bee gathering water up close makes that process easier to understand and appreciate.
Photography Notes: Capturing a Honey Bee Up Close
I photographed this honey bee using a Canon EOS R5 and an RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lens. I shot in manual mode with Auto ISO to keep control over exposure while reacting quickly to movement.
Camera settings:
- Aperture: f/9
- Shutter speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
The fast shutter speed helped freeze wing movement, while f/9 provided enough depth of field to keep the bee sharp. Shooting from a short distance allowed me to capture fine details without disturbing the bee.
A Quiet Backyard Wildlife Moment
This photograph was taken in my Arkansas yard on July 9, 2022, at noon. It serves as a reminder that meaningful wildlife moments often happen when you least expect them.
If you enjoy photographing nature, take time to watch what is happening around your own home. You might be surprised by how much wildlife activity is happening right in front of you.