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We were having a dry spell, and just recently got 7'' of rain. I still have a bee or two, but not eight at a time anymore. That must have been the reason.
Hi Dale! Is your bird bath shaped so there's a way the bees can get to the water? They need to be able to sit on something, put their noses into the water -- you probably know this already but just in case -- it was something I had to learn -- jo
The bees have found a little landing when the water drips from the AC unit, that has become their favorite 'watering hole'. I have been trying to photo them when they are loading up, but, by the time I get out with camera they are gone. Not many bees left in this area, it is getting built up more every year, the freeway is expanding and they are paving over all vacant spaces that used to hold flowers.
Isn't that sad. I do have bees right now, but they say they don't see many in other places. Scary more than sad. You can plant flowers, but if they aren't there to begin with...
I have one place I work in the gardens. For two years in a row we have had swarms take up residence at the house. The 1st year I convinced the owners to call a bee keeper, capture the queen and take the hive. They took my advice and the bees were saved.
This year they decided it was too much trouble so they got sprayed out.
I wish the bee population could tell them how much trouble it is for them...to survive.
I plant these flowers for more than human eyes to see...
It should be against the law to kill a bee!! They are life for us!
I do plant with bees in mind and have for years. I'd love to have a hive, but I don't think the neighbors would be thrilled :)) I'm not sure I'd have the time to take care of one properly.
BillyPorter and Dale: Bless You! I cannot believe that in this day and age, people still kill bees (and other beneficial insects), but they do. The other day I noticed a scout bee so I zipped in the house, made up bee water, and set up the bee feeder. Two bees the next day, which pleased me, then -- yesterday -- I had put the butterfly feeder back up with a slice of tangerine for the wasps and, since the hummers just *know* there's food in there, I filled up the feeder part l with hummer food. Next thing I knew, there were bees all *over* it -- the pic is kinda outta focus but I think you can get the idea. There were about 3x as many a bit later on. We've had the normal amount of rain so far this year, but am assuming the drought effects are still lingering and there just isn't *that* much water and/or pollen in the area for them. I'm delighted to be able to help (am on the top/4th floor of a large apt complex, have planted bee friendly plants but they're not big enough yet). You two are my heroes! jo
