Buzz stop: A small swarm of honey bees take a break on a lamppost in Wardour Street, Soho - as bemused passersby keep a safe distanceThey are known for their role in pollination, producing honey and beeswax - and being a bit annoying at a late-summer picnic.
What they are not known for, however, is leaning on a lamppost in Soho and watching the world go by.
This small swarm of honey bees decided to take a break from their daily chores and relax on a lamppost on the corner Wardour Street and St Anne's Court.
The unusual gathering was spotted by a London resident who goes by the name 'PopeRamone' on Twitter.
He took photos of the phenomenon and posted them on his Twitter page.
Passersby can be seen in the photos looking bemused and slightly concerned. Bees, while non-aggressive insects, pack a nasty sting that can be fatal for people with allergies.
Seeing such a sight in a built-up urban area like Soho would no-doubt add to the unnerving sensation felt by city slickers.
But, before a swarm of curious humans had time to form around the lamppost, the bees set off about their business.
Buzz stop: A small swarm of honey bees take a break on a lamppost in Soho - as bemused passersby keep a safe distance 
Close look: One woman gets a little close for comfort as others keep an eye on the unusual phenomenonThere has been an alarming decline recently in populations of both managed bees and wild bees.
In 2007, managed populations of European honey bees experienced a sharp drop in number. This prompted investigations amid concern over the nature and extent of the losses.
In 2009 some reports from the U.S. suggested that a third of honey bee colonies did not survive winter - with the normal loss being around 25 per cent.
The decline of bees, and therefore pollination, would have disastrous effects on agriculture and nature.
source: dailymail
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