Learn a little botany.

Quite pleased with this one. Not because of the bumblebee although that adds interest to the photograph. But because of how much the shot tells you about the plant. Interested? Read on.

The plant is Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides - but I put that in to please Mrs.K.)

First look at the bottom left of the photo and you wil see that not only the stems but also the leaves are covered with bristles which certainly helps with identification.

Next I was lucky to get the three main stages of the flower all on one picture.
In the central flower, being given attention by the bee, you can see anthers with pollen at their tips which the bee is collecting. These anthers have collected pollen from stamens which are hidden deep in the centre of the flower.

On the left is a flower at the next stage. The anthers are beginning to split at the tip and grow hairs at the base and the petals are beginning to wilt.

On the right they have developed into the familiar seed heads ready to blow away and establish the next generation.

This is a Mediterranean plant which is widespread in the south and east of Britain but is relatively scarce in the north and west.

I hope you feel better for knowing some of this.