Have you met the Potter Bee?

While taking this class I was privileged to watch a Potter Bee build a new clay nest from the ground up. Or, in this case, the ceiling down. I have seen these nests around but never really thought about how they were hand built with great precision by bees. More on the Potter Bee.

And here are some photos that I took as the project progressed. Here you can see the Potter Bee working to build the center. I noticed he uses this to hang from while building. Probably uses it to sleep on, as well? Look at that skill!

When he moves to the edge and works the sides, he makes a perfect circle. He braces himself on the center while slowly adding and patting the clay into place.

He has finished the first layer and is adding a second layer of insulation, or maybe for his young? Bees are endangered and all must be protected. Throw away your bug spray and rat poisons! Throw out your chemicals and GO GREEN. Don't use Fabric Softener. Educate yourself on the chemicals that have permeated our daily lives and rid yourselves of them.

At last the hovel is complete. The clay turns from brown to gray. Fascinating.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.