BEES

[Jacksparrow]

Seen in my garden today, a bee I never recognized. Was black with two grey stripes up near its head. Looked it up and it was a Andrena cineraria - ashy mining-bee. I reckon it is the first time I have ever seen one.

I gather we are at the time of year when the mining bees appear and try to excavate their breeding chambers.

[Jacksparrow]

I have quite a bit of Ivy on the chateau walls and fences and it is just coming into blossom and attracting a great number of Honey Bees. The buzz coming from the gathering can clearly be heard a yard or two away.

[Placido]

Oh wow, that's very good.
Must venture round to the side and have a look at next door's ivy which is all over my fence .
Main spot at the moment are wasps, but not many of them.

[Placido]

Had a look at the ivy - not out yet but close. Only a few wasps mooching around there, no bees but they will come

[Willpar]

Seen this morning. One of those great big bumble bees.

[Willpar]

Several large bumble bees on my berberis today. It is a mass of flowers at the moment.

[Willpar]

Seen two of those giant bumble bees this morning in a garden. First of the year.

[Jacksparrow]

Seen two of those giant bumble bees this morning in a garden. First of the year.

Queens looking for a nest site

[Willpar]

Great to see JS and was very sunny.

[Jacksparrow]

Most of my bee friendly summer flowers are now well in bloom are are getting visitors. White Tailed and Garden Bumblebees seem to be the most common but there are also a few Honey Bees.