The Lucky Ones

Upon the first hard frost, this bee, like most Bumble Bees, will die. The fate of the species resides with recently impregnated queens that winter underground.

Unlike Honey Bees, which overwinter in enclosed hives well stocked with honey, Bumble Bees rely on individual queens to make it through the winter and renew the population in the spring.
(Windstar Wildlife Institute)
F/10, 1/500th, ISO 500, 1D M3, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 + Kenko 1.4x ext & fill. Shot date 9-29-2014 @ 11:28am & clear with monopod for support.