Sunday, June 17, 2007

UV- birds and the bees

Much has been talked about how Bees and Birds have UV vision, they can see in UV, etc..

How do they look like in UV?


Nothing extra-ordinary. Quite dull, in fact.

Pigeon- reflected Ultraviolet capture

That pigeon does not show any of its iridescent colors that are readily visible in normal light.

Here is a bee foraging on a blackberry flower.

While the flower itself shows remarkable difference when compared to its visible light image, the bee looks lack luster- devoid of its golden hues and other distinguishable marks.

Can the birds and the bees smell?
Do they navigate using their eyes?
Does anyone have any evidence to answer these questions one way or the other?


About Me

UV photography is a major interest of mine.