Garden Wildlife UK

Today I thought it was time that I brushed up on my Bumble Bee ID-ing skills. I seem to have a few buzzing around on the lavender, scabious and buddliae . I have an idiots guide to the commonest species but even armed with that it is not always easy. The White Tailed and the Garden look very similar and even the Buff Tailed can be mistaken for the other two unless you can get a close look I did manage to ID all the three mentioned plus Tree BB and Red Tailed BB.
The Red Tailed was so called before orange had been invented and the tail is about the same colour as a Robin's breast.
So that was 5 species in the space of a bout 30 minutes. There were other Bees present including Honey Bees but I'm restricting myself to getting to know Bumbles at present as they are the easiest to spot.

I am getting increasing numbers of Bumble Bees in the garden looking for the early flowers for their fix of nectar. I have on managed to recognise one of the big bumblies and that was a Buff Tailed. Most of the early ones appear to be the smaller species which are tricky to identify. I have purchased a Big Boys guide to Bumblies so I hope to have them sorted soon

Much impressed by this spot !! What attracts them to the chateau grounds, Jacksparrow ?

Placido wrote:Much impressed by this spot !! What attracts them to the chateau grounds, Jacksparrow ?

I have early Primroses, Hyacinths and assorted other spring flowers so I suppose that is why. There must be a reasonable population of Bumblies in my area that find their way to the Chateau so long may it continue.

Sounds like it's going to be a good year for the chateauneuf

When I opened the bathroom window one day last week I saw a big one basking on the garage roof

I saw a little one yesterday on a withered bush.

These arrived in my hedge about 9.30 this morning. Bee-keeper coming about 16.00 to take them away.

Apparently when swarming they are looking for somewhere more permanent to set up home. They will look around chimneys. WHY MY BLOODY HEDGE?????????

peregrine wrote:These arrived in my hedge about 9.30 this morning. Bee-keeper coming about 16.00 to take them away.

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Apparently when swarming they are looking for somewhere more permanent to set up home. They will look around chimneys. WHY MY BLOODY HEDGE?????????

They just stopped for lunch.

peregrine were they safely relocated?