This vibrant photograph was taken in the scenic backwoods of Zealand, New Brunswick by photographer Keith Dennis Brewer, capturing a moment in nature where bumblebees are hard at work gathering nectar and pollen.
The bees featured in this photo are most likely Tricolored Bumblebees (Bombus ternarius), recognizable by their distinctive bands of yellow, black, and an orange-red band on the abdomen. This species is commonly found across eastern Canada and thrives in meadows, woodland edges, and rural gardens—exactly the kind of environment where this photograph was taken.
About the Bees:
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Tricolored Bumblebees are vital pollinators for both wild and cultivated plants.
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Unlike honeybees, they don’t make large quantities of honey but are more cold-resistant and often the first pollinators seen in spring.
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They build their nests underground, often in abandoned rodent burrows or under thick vegetation.
About the Photo:
Keith Dennis Brewer beautifully captures the symbiotic relationship between pollinators and plants. The bright green foliage and tightly packed yellow blooms provide a perfect contrast to the bees’ fuzzy black and orange bodies. The composition is rich with texture and movement—every bee is caught mid-task, showcasing the busy life of nature's little workers.
This photo is not just a celebration of the bees themselves but also a visual reminder of how important these small creatures are to ecosystems everywhere. Their role in pollination supports the health of forests, gardens, and even the food we eat.
Keith’s photography often highlights nature’s quiet but profound moments, reminding us to pay attention to the world that exists beyond the human experience. This image is another testament to that vision.
In addition to the vibrant color photograph taken in the backwoods of Zealand, New Brunswick, photographer Keith Dennis Brewer also captured a striking black and white image of the same species of bee—most likely the Tricolored Bumblebee (Bombus ternarius)—working diligently on the very same flower cluster.
About the Second Photo:
While the first image bursts with the energy of summer greens and golden blossoms, the black and white version strips the moment down to form, contrast, and texture. In this monochromatic capture, the fine details of the bumblebee’s fuzzy body become more pronounced. The wings, often hard to notice in motion, appear more glass-like—almost sculptural. The tiny flowers it clings to reveal their symmetry and structure in a whole new light.
The decision to present this moment in black and white adds a timeless quality to the scene. It turns a fleeting moment of nature into a study of life, light, and motion. Without color to guide the eye, we are drawn into the bee’s form, the delicate geometry of the blooms, and the depth created by shadows and highlights. The image evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and respect for the role these pollinators play.
A Thought from the Photographer:
Keith Dennis Brewer often sees photography as more than documentation—he sees it as storytelling. “Mother Nature is the true artist—I just capture the work she provides,” he says. This black and white photograph speaks directly to that belief. It’s a pause in the busyness of life, showing us that even in simplicity, there is profound beauty.
Final Reflection:
These two photos—one full of color and life, the other focused and reflective—together paint a fuller picture of nature's daily miracles. Whether captured in vibrant hues or monochrome tones, the Tricolored Bumblebee serves as a powerful reminder of the small forces that keep our ecosystems alive.
Fun Fact: A single bumblebee colony can pollinate over 100,000 flowers a day—a fact that makes this image all the more powerful when you consider what you’re witnessing is just a tiny glimpse of their impact.
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