The Ceanothus on my header(known as Californian Lilac elsewhere) was completely buzzing on Sunday morning when I filled up the mealworm feeder for the robin Yet Again - the starlings can empty it in a few minutes when they all swoop in.
There were so many bees of all shapes and sizes and all had their pollen sacs full. I've forgotten how the macro thing works on my camera - if I ever knew - so the photos are poor and you'll have to take my word for how many bees were there all at once.
The robin was waiting as usual for me to fill the feeder and visits it even before I've walked away.
Back Soon
Sue
I need to replace the Ceanothus that my NDN killed with his indiscriminate weed-spraying - and find a spot for it where the soil is clean. I can picture your bees, crowding around that lovely shrub; I see the same when my Persicaria is in full flower. I love the bees, but my son and daughter-in-law won't come to the front door any more where the bees gather. I keep telling them that they are only interested in gathering pollen, not attacking humans!
ReplyDeleteI hope mine stays alive for a few more years as it's so good for the bees
DeleteCeanothus shrubs are beautiful and come in such an array of blues, but they're not long-lived in my garden.
ReplyDeleteI know they have a tendency to suddenly die - which would be very sad here as it blocks out the neighbours view into my bungalow.
DeleteThanks, thinking of moving to Suffolk. Happy to learn how happy you have been there.
ReplyDeleteBeing Suffolk born and lived here all my life it has to be the best place although not everyone moves here and likes it - too quiet for some!
DeleteI love all things bees and honey, and thanks for the lovely Robin photo.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
I'd got my camera for the bee photos but the Robin is soon there after I've filled his favourite meal worms
DeleteYour lilac is outstanding and the blue flowers are very lovely. The bees are happy to visit when flowers are plentiful. A week ago my Pear trees were in flower and the bees were there to pollinate. The birds know when a feeder is available. Your photos of the robin and bee are excellent. Your local beekeeper will have honey for the community.
ReplyDeleteThe bees are loving it on sunny days this week
DeleteCeanothus like rain when the temperatures are cool, but rain when it's warm leads to root rot, leading to their demise. ~ skye
ReplyDeleteThank you - hope it lasts a long time here - an important plant in the garden
DeleteMy niece always used to call this the bumblebee bush as she was tearing round our garden and swerve off the path onto the grass to avoid it. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI love that hum of bees. It is so much a signal of spring and summer (our bees have all gone quiet now).
ReplyDelete