Introduction to Bumble Bee Photography and Identification

Bumblebees are active well into the fall and this is a great time of year to observe them and the fall-blooming plants like goldenrods and asters that they pollinate. The male bees are busy mating and the female bees that will be next year's queens, responsible for starting another annual lifecycle for their colony are building fat stores to survive the winter. We will walk the park's paths and search for bumblebees, learn a little about how to identify and photograph them. 

Join the Friends of Owen Conservation Park in this introductory walk. No prior knowledge or experience is needed. It is suitable for you if you are just mildly curious or if you are seriously interested in contributing to bumble bee conservation by participating in the Bumble Bee Brigade citizen science photo survey in the future. Led by Beth Whitaker, Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Bumble Bee Brigade Ambassador and regular bumble bee monitor at Owen since 2020. 

We will be walking at an insect photographer's pace (slowly) on wide mowed paths. 

All are welcome. This is beginner-friendly. It is not a stationary event. We will walk around the park's trails looking for bees. To get the most out of this outing, please bring a camera that works for you for insect photography. Cell phone cameras work for many people, so no fancy equipment is required.