Fascination: Bee and Water Lily

We are heading into the hottest days of summer, and there's no better time to visit the lily pond at the Arboretum at Penn State. I have not seen any sign of lotus this year, but they have lots going on by way of water lilies, which are blooming in pink glory all over the place. I cannot resist visiting them - most often in the morning before it gets too hot.

And so it is that of a morning, you may find me standing, kneeling, or even sitting on the ground by the lily pond (or oasis garden, as it is more formally called), leaning down above the waters, eyeing up the blooms, moving the camera this way and that, playing with the light.

I am not the only one who is fascinated by the beautiful water lilies. I frequently see insects of many kinds visiting the luscious blooms. On this morning, a pretty little bee was admiring the pink bloom on the left.

Beauty must be seen and even tasted to be fully appreciated, said the little bee, who kindly posed for this photo, then flew deep into the pink bloom for a pollen snack.

The soundtrack: the Human League, with (Keep Feeling) Fascination.