The Beauty Who Was Branded a Pest: The Story Behind the Lens About Bangbara (Carpenter Bee)

Hello, photography lovers! It's me again, @my451r. This time, I'd like to share a visual story and a brief overview of a creature we often encounter but perhaps don't pay much attention to.

Some time ago, I was fortunate enough to spot this highly photogenic subject in a friend's garden. The pristine location, still filled with various types of flowers, provided the perfect habitat for the Bangbara to roam. As someone who loves capturing moments, I certainly didn't waste this golden opportunity. I then pulled out my go-to weapon: the lightweight Canon M100 mirrorless camera, which boasts excellent image quality for its class, and equipped with the versatile 15-45mm kit lens.

The animal I found was truly unique, with a mix of black and yellow, a common sight, especially when dew is still on the leaves. They looked very active and agile. Their morning routine is almost always the same: perched steadily on a blooming flower stalk, then using their distinctive beaks, deftly sip honey or nectar, their primary energy source. It's a truly calming and captivating sight to capture.

However, despite their beauty and agility, some people often consider the Bangbara a pest. The reason is a classic yet quite troublesome one: their habit of pecking at the boards or wood of people's homes. They use the soft wood as an ideal location for building nests and raising their young, which can, of course, cause property damage.

So, through my camera lens, I tried to see them from a different perspective. And in black and white, the visuals are certainly stunning. I saw a living creature struggling to meet its needs amidst the shrinking natural habitat. Below are some of the shots I managed to capture. I tried to capture their intimate moments with nature, from their unique way of sucking honey to the piercing expression in their eyes. Hopefully, these photos will give you a glimpse of the beauty of this beautiful "pest" in black and white. Enjoy!