This past weekend, I visited the Travis Audubon Baker Sanctuary for the first time. It was a Master Naturalist event hosted by another chapter in Austin. The sanctuary is located just 14.5 miles (a little over 23 km) from home. I can see going back there many times to explore the trails and scenery. From this first visit, I came back with a little over 200 photos of flowers and bugs.
The third week of June marks Pollinator Week. This year, the event takes place from June 16 to 22, 2025. I’m sharing two images of a Western Honey Bee on a Firewheel flower doing what is required to maintain the biodiversity and health of our ecosystems. Did you know that about one-third of the food we eat depends on pollination by bees, butterflies, birds, and other animals? Pollinators are essential for food production. Without them, many plant species would decline or disappear. Just imagine the cascading effects that would have on our own lives.
In both photos, you can see the bee already has some pollen on its body and in its legs’ pollen sac (or corbicula). That yellow pouch you see is the pollen sac.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you might also be interested in others featuring Bee, Firewheel, Pollinators, Texas, Wildflowers, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Amy
Wow, amazing photos of these wings!!
Egidio Leitao
They are amazing to see. Thanks.
solaner
great captures, Egídio!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, André.
philosophy through photography
Egidio, Travis Audubon Baker Sanctuary is a hidden gem just outside your door. Those bee-on-Firewheel shots are a perfect tribute to Pollinator Week—tiny workers doing vital, golden errands. Nature showing off again, and you were right there to catch it.
Egidio Leitao
It really is. I am glad I became a member of the Travis Audubon Society and now can have access to the sanctuary any time I want to go there. Thanks, again, for your thoughtful feedback.
philosophy through photography
Welcome, my friend
Aletta - nowathome
Beautiful photos, Egidio! Imiss seeing bees so closeup. Our garden only has succulents and spekboom.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for your compliment, Aletta.
Aletta - nowathome
You’re welcome
mitchteemley
I miss our honeybees. There are hadly any around anymore. Fortunately, we still have our bumblebees and other pollinators.
Egidio Leitao
Let’s hope more bees come your way. Thanks for writing.
Toonsarah
These are fantastic shots Egidio! And yes, we need to protect the bees for sure 🐝🐝
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Sarah.
margaret21
Lovely shots of busy pollinators.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Margaret.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Truly remarkable images, Egidio! Let’s all keep those pollinators busy!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Terri. I was pleased in capturing those shots.
shoreacres
I like the whirring wings. Some of us call those pollen sacs ‘saddlebags’!
Egidio Leitao
I didn’t know that. It makes perfect sense. Those wings did come out nicely. Thanks.
Steve Schwartzman
Probably few people these days use saddlebags, but many who are older battle sags.
Egidio Leitao
I won’t go there. I’ll leave it as you said it. LOL