Today has been even more spring-like than yesterday, with the same blue sky and sunshine but much less wind. I had some free time this afternoon so I decided to make the most of it and headed up to West Dean Gardens in search of more spring flowers. I wasn’t disappointed – there were lots of crocuses, daffodils and snowdrops in bloom. I also found a very lethargic bumble bee who was sipping the nectar from a hyacinth – I don’t think I’ve ever photographed such a slow moving insect!

WOW, WOW, The macro on the bee is fabulous. WOW!!! karmankwarner · 2011-03-04: 14:00

this is extremely good!both! gonia · 2011-03-04: 14:04

Beautiful close-ups - the light in the first is great - much more interesting with it being behind the subject davids · 2011-03-04: 14:05

The bee is fantastic. yellodog · 2011-03-04: 14:13

both great shots, but the bumble bee is saved :) McMommy · 2011-03-04: 14:16

This two photos are adorable and sign (we can hope for it) the return of the spring ! josy63 · 2011-03-04: 15:14

Two beautiful shots Helen. Perfect! The detail on the bee is amazing as are the colors. danrav · 2011-03-04: 15:47

I've never done any macro photo before but having seen your shots I'm encouraged to have go. Great shots. petermcguire · 2011-03-04: 15:51

Fabulous macros Lynda · 2011-03-04: 16:55

wonderful macros! tomie · 2011-03-04: 17:32

Wow nice capture of the bee mystic1 · 2011-03-05: 00:19

Wooooow.....Supreb ! Gerad · 2011-03-05: 03:55

Nagyon szép képek! atk5339 · 2011-03-05: 06:41

Absolutely superb macro work Helen cariad · 2011-03-05: 07:12

very strange that the bumble bee was so slow..they are usually hard to photograph! but nice!;) onlyricky · 2011-03-05: 07:28

Magnificent Helen! liveandletlive · 2011-03-05: 09:48

very beautiful lighting, lovely shots urmysunshine · 2011-03-05: 09:58

Superb! Goldbrandi · 2011-03-05: 10:01

Beautiful springy macros Helen! ????? · 2011-03-05: 13:41

I wonder who was moving faster the flower growing or the bee? Hummm! CKDay · 2011-03-05: 14:09

Both great macro shots! ????? · 2011-03-05: 16:14

Great close ups. Perfect focus. I love the clear lines of the snowdrop. Wasichseh · 2011-03-05: 17:43

Very great shots! sachiko · 2011-03-05: 22:56

Just marvelous shots, Helen....the color and depth are amazing! lookagain · 2011-03-06: 19:52

A bee! That's fantastic summer's coming. Wonderful close up shots Helen. Jarvo · 2011-03-06: 20:29

Great macro ! Like so much the last one : great angle and details :) helys · 2011-03-15: 04:20

Tagged: flower snowdrop bee spring westdean garden