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This Hylaeus bee has unique orange coloring on the face and a wide base (scape) to the antennal segment. Observed on Nootka Rose growing at the beach. I also observed this species at Fort Flagler SP 5/8/24 visiting pepperweed, though the photos then were not as clear as some of these.

On February 2nd this year I saw my first tumulis. I Spoke with friends from here in e-mail and was asked for measurements and landmarks for repeat observation over time. The quest is to find out who it was and how they are doing.

This is an arrival / nest study. Please see the Associated observations Linked in order newest to oldest:

iNat had different recommendations for each picture, fuzzy-horned bumblebee and Vancouver bumblebee were two, the other two weren't bees. I lifted up a yard-waste bin I had sitting in the yard for a long time and found a bee nest! I used the container for its intended purposes then carefully placed it back at night. The bees were actively covering their exposed nest in the interim, and had got it mostly covered in a few hours time.

Female Habropoda visiting Collinsia parviflora in bee nesting site in the dune. Many new females emerged and refueling with the resources growing in the nesting area. Males still flying low, looking for emerging females today.

I observed this female entering and excavating the sand from her nesting burrow in the dune. I observed multiple males in a mating aggregation with her as she exited the nest. The photos of the male group in are entered as a separate observation for today.

I am standing up hill of her so I am primarily photographing her front as she exits the nest. I do not have direct visual on the opening of her nest from behind her. I have video of her and the male behavior, and of her moving sand from her nest.

I was surprised just how much larger she is than the male bee.

Observed males in an mating aggregation with a female bee at the dune nest site. This observation is for the male group. The female is excavating her nest burrow just behind the stem of the Small Flowered Blue-eyed Mary plants growing in the sand. Photos of the female are submitted in a separate observation today. I am standing uphill of her nest. I also have video of this behavior with males and the female. One male appears to have been injured as he remains near the nest opening and moves but does not leave.