Field Notes: Bumblebee-mimic Digger Bees (Patreon)

In May, bumblebee-mimic digger bees are busy digging their nests into the cliffs overlooking beaches up and down the Northern California and Oregon coasts. Our Deep Look cinematographer Josh Cassidy filmed these native bees at work on a California beach, where they dug their nests in a cliff made of sand, clay and gravel. He filmed with a long probe lens, which allowed him to get close-up video of the bees while keeping his distance to avoid disturbing them. In any case, these bees don’t sting, so Josh and the bees were able to do their thing without bothering each other. 

This episode premieres next Tuesday, August 10, but Patreon supporters will get a sneak peek this Friday!

 
GIF by Gabriela Quirós/KQED