Noizzzzy Bumble Bee

Alright, I admit it — this one’s got more grain than a beach picnic. But it wasn’t high ISO this time. Nope, this fuzz-fest is brought to you by extreme zoom followed by an enthusiastic crop that got a bit CSI: Bee Division.
That said, I finally caught a glimpse of those elusive bee eyes — in one of my own shots! Never mind the noise; this one’s a milestone.
Pretty sure we’re looking at a Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) — one of the UK’s most common and committed pollinators. That golden middle stripe and the pale, almost blonde bum (their words, not mine) give them away. These little legends will happily forage even in chilly, miserable weather.
The bee is feeding on Buddleia, aka the Butterfly Bush. Not just for butterflies — bees are regulars at this buffet too. Fun fact: Buddleia is technically an invasive species in parts of the UK, but it’s like the Wetherspoons of the insect world. Everyone goes there.
Shot with the usual setup: Sony a6700 + 18–135mm OSS lens — which isn’t macro, but clearly does its best when I lean in and hold my breath.