A syrphid fly on the helianthus. It looks like a bee, but is harmless. However, it is a pollinator. Sorta cute.

Also on the helianthus, was this insect. I did a lot of research and cannot determine definitely what it is. It appears to be a bee; however the wings are folded back along the abdomen - most bees don't do that.

Compare this bumblebee with the unknown insect. Size and wing placement.

Again, a bumblebee, this time on one of the gaillardia flowers.

Water beading on the caladium leaves.

One of the last blooms on the day lilies. It sprinkled a bit this morning, thus the droplets on the caladium and the day lily.

Jim, would you please send me your bees? I even take wasps. Love the pictures of the caladium and the daylily, the droplets make it interesting.

Jim, we are lucky to have your beautiful pictures and Don's interesting, meaningful quotes. I hope you both keep posting for a long time!

Thank you.

Regretfully, I seen very few honey bees this summer. They usually are drawn to the helianthus flowers. It is one of the oddities of the past year.

Another odd one - there are many hummingbirds in the yard. They even fight over the right to be at certain flowers. I have yet to see one approach the bright red feeder that I have (I keep changing the water, but still no takers).