On certain flowers, bumblebees do something called 'buzz pollination' or 'sonication' in order to release pollen concealed within anthers on the stamen - a bit like shaking salt from a salt cellar. The muscles normally used to move their wings are used to vibrate their legs instead which are clutching the stamen. In this recording, buzz pollination sounds are the higher pitched buzzes that sound a little like someone playing a kazoo. Flight buzzes are roughly 200Hz and buzz pollination is around 300Hz, so about a perfect 5th higher. A specific resonant frequency is required in order to release the pollen.
Additionally at times, you can hear the sound of the bee scraping the pollen stuck to its front legs to its pollen baskets on its hind legs. In the picture below you can see one of the bees that was recorded with very full pollen baskets.
Recorded using a single Sennheiser MKH8040 into a Zoom F4 at 192kHz. Pitching the sound file down (slowing it down) should reveal ultrasonic frequency components of the sound.
Type
Wave (.wav)
Duration
2:44.425
File size
90.3 MB
Sample rate
192000.0 Hz
Bit depth
24 bit
Channels
Mono
Comments
1 year, 1 month ago
I love everything about this. It's like zoology and audiology sat down & enjoyed a really pleasant, informative chat over a cup of coffee. I learned something unexpected & delightful about my world this morning. Mr. McCurdy, you made my day – thank you!
2 years, 6 months ago
Exceptionally clean! Very well done! I don't know what I might use it for, but now I want to write something just so I can use this. Thanks!
3 years, 7 months ago
Amazing sound, recording and description! I sometimes have a difficult time finding good quality recordings on this website especially at this sample rate. Thank you. Have a nice day :)
