The 'Darth Vader' Bees

This morning, as I was standing on the terrace 

at 6.45, taking photos of the sunrise on my

Smartphone, two 'Darth Vader' bees whizzed past

at what seemed like breakneck speed.

They headed for the Lantana in the corner

of the front garden, so I hurried after them,

hoping to get at least a couple of usable shots

before they flew away.

I managed about half a dozen, then decided that 

it was time to get 'the big boy' out - my beloved 

EOS600D - and try some macro shots.

Breakfast time

The reason we've nicknamed them 'Darth Vader bees'

is because they are VERY black and VERY shiny and have a 

rather loud buzz as they fly around the garden;

although, on closer inspection, their wings are 

iridescent blue.....

Stained glass wings

Their proper name is the Carpenter Bee, and there are

500 species of them apparently.

Here's hoping they don't all turn up at once!