19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Bee buddies in a zucchini flower

Two honeybees staring out from the center of a zucchini plant blossom in the early morning sun. I went out to my backyard to water my plants as I do every day during the summer before the day gets too hot. I happened to look down at my container zucchini plant and saw a big yellow flower had recently opened. As I looked closer, I noticed two honeybees inside collecting pollen. I love taking photos of my garden and all the insects that visit it, so I took out my phone and got close. Just then, both bees seemingly posed and looked at me, considering their next move. I don't think I have ever truly seen a honeybee so distinctly looking back at me.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Pittsburgh (Shaler Township), Pennsylvania, United States of America
Camera: SM-G960U
Copyright: © Liz Simpson