Unusual Bee...?

[The Big Lebowski]

It may/may not be common, to be honest I know very little about Bee's!

Taken today having a rummage around.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Tawny miner bee, perhaps.
They make the little volcano shaped mounds on your lawn.

 

[Perrari]

I saw one of these last week, I looked it up & I think its a 'Common Carder Bee'. Emerges in early spring and can bee seen until the Autumn.
But I could be wrong.

Eifion

 

[Expat]

Wow... I saw something just like that yesterday.... My first ever, and it had gone before I could get a good look....

 

[The Big Lebowski]

Tawny miner bee, perhaps.
They make the little volcano shaped mounds on your lawn.

I'd say you where spot on chum... Nice one! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Andrena_fulva01.jpg

 

[Harvestman]

Tawny miner for me too. Not unusual for the time of year, but always a nice thing to see.

 

[Androo]

The Carder bees I've seen haven't ever been as bright as the OP's photo, they (Carder Bees) are usualy a bit wider than the Tawny miners ;O)

I was in the park the other day with a few freinds and was sure I saw one of these bumble by, couldn't bee sure though.

A wonderful Bee ID book (although it is mostly bumble bees & bee mimics/bee-flys) is this - written by two of the countries greatest 'Mr Bee's'.