megasavo's Identifications

Sighting and photos (c) arisc.
Field Notes - In the heat wave just past, we filled up a small-ish portable swimming pool in our back yard. Usually this is covered with a tarp when not in use, but we had it uncovered to warm the water for a while before getting in. Upon returning to it for a cool off, I discovered a bee, struggling and sodden on the surface of the water. I used a small stick to fish it out, in hopes it might revive, which thankfully it did. These photographs were take as it climbed one of the succulents in our yard, whiping its legs, shaking its wings, and hanging in the light breeze to dry off. After a few minutes of this activity it successfully flew on its way. I only was the one bee this day, and I am assuming it’s an oriental honey bee, based on the pattern of its stripes, it’s fluffy yellow tufts, and the shape of its legs.