I am chuffed to bits to be able to say that we now have a nest of Buff-tailed Bumblebees setting up home in one of my planters I noticed some movement when I was watering yesterday evening and was absolutely transfixed watching them gather up the moss from the pot and take it under and into the grass hummock they have chosen to use. My husband has offered me the use of his bigger/better macro lens to get some shots without disturbing them if I can. Is it sad to be so ridiculously pleased?
Not at all. I would love to have a nest of bees in my own garden. I look forward to seeing the photographs your husband takes of these beneficial little creatures. :-D
Lucky you! Those bees are pretty smart to set up their home in your garden. Hope to see pictures soon! You are right to be so "ridiculously pleased"--most folks ( ) have to go buy bees or kidnap them. My husband is getting pretty good at the kidnapping side of beekeeping!
What a wonderful discovery. I would be excited to find them nesting in my garden too. I have only seen one and that was early this last Spring Bombus fraternus - Southern Plains Bumblebee. I love that Genus name!
Bees are so fascinating to watch and you are so lucky to have found a nest. Cannot wait to see the photos :-D
Here's a good website that describes it, I think it's found mainly in the U.K. http://www.bumblebee.org/terr.htm
Thanks for that site Toni. All our Bumblebees are having a hard time at the moment,what with the erratic weather and the problems with the agricultural pesticides that contain nicotine I've been trying to do my bit for a few years now by buying specifically bee-friendly flowers and it seems I've been doing something right at last... This is also a good site http://bumblebeeconservation.org/about- ... umblebees/
Wow! Who knew there were so many different kinds of bumblebees. When I have time this weekend, I'll try to identify what kind(s) are in my garden. The flowers up near my pool visibly vibrate with the antics of the bumblebees among them. Thanks for the website links. I'll have to find one for US bumblebees.
Cayuga, Here's a site with pictures and information about range of US bumblebees: http://www.bumblebee.org/NorthAmerica.htm We have bumble, honey, and cedar bees. I love 'em all!
