Some Osmia Sketches

The weather is still beautiful, if colder now and I am reluctant to be indoors. I spent most of the day out cycling and walking by the water, and failing miserably to get any good bee photos.
But eventually I made myself sit down with a sketch book, paints, a pencil and my models, two Osmia rufa bees. One male and one female.
Despite my best efforts to rescue, revive and release the lost bees (seven today), some have died. I found 3 papery little bodies when we moved in, curled up on the window ledges. As sad as this is I have to be practical and can make some studies which all helps my knowledge and understanding. And it’s a chance to pay a little homage.

The males have long antennae and moustaches but are quite a bit smaller than the females.

Male and female Osmia rufa, casualties of .. well ….just of life… I guess.

Three days ago there were lots of males, now it seems just females are getting into the house. I suppose they are looking for a nest site and have taken a wrong turn somewhere in the labyrinthine wall cavities.

I am trying to get back to some daily sketching after what seems like a long time. Hopefully poco a poco, a little every day. :)