A journal of observations on insect pollinators

1. Chickadee Gardens :
Pollinator Photo Diary

2. On sunny days in March, Honeybees are the first to arrive with temperatures
in the low fifties. Shortly afterward the Bumblebees, when daytime temps
begin reaching the upper fifties. The plants in the gardens attracting them
include: Tall Oregon Grape. Grape Hyacinths, Dandelions with the
California Poppy survivals tossing a few blooms by early April.
I need to add a few early bloomers like Colt's Foot, Indian Plum- our
native plants which flower quite early. To accommodate the spring days
which sneak in unseasonably warm to float the scent of native blooms
and attract emerging bees.

3. April
As soon as the Comphrey sends up its
flower stalks the bees start gathering.
The Borage growing nearby is covered
with its recurved flowers. The Honeybees
are not yet arriving in large numbers so
there are plenty . The California Poppy is becoming a moat of flowers around
the base of the Teardrop bed. And I have to step carefully to avoid disturbing
the Bumblebees. A few other flowers starting to open are some leftover
Radishes and the Wallflower. Both offering easy access to pollen which
the Honeybees favor.

4. May
The Red and Yellow Sedums come into bloom
and several species of Bumblebees find them
hidden below the Spearmint. Other plants
staring to flower include Hyssop, Lavender, Calendula,
and Rosa glauca.
Most of the herbs in the garden are now flowering, the warmer temperatures
probably a factor. But I also think they work as a group to build the population
base of all the insect pollinators. Some, like the Calendula and Spearmint
are also attracting insect predators which tend to be territorial of each bloom.
Driving off any visitor not wearing the same stripes.

5. The later bloomers now include
Monarda, Catnip, Red Sage, but the warm season vegetables are adding
more forage to the array. With the annuals flowering in full force the gardens
become overflowing with pollen options. Flower form and scent are also
broad. It seems no species of insect pollinator goes without, at least not for
the ones coming to Chickadee Gardens. The Foodbank garden is fulling up
with bees as well. Something I have not seen so early before
June

6. July
More late bloomers start offering their
pollen, like Echinacea and one of the
shrub roses. The more docile types
share and share alike,
without regard to
species.
The only reason that causes one to move on is lack of space.
When Honeybees crowd a squash bloom like teens from the sixties in a
phone booth, the plump Bumblebee has to go elsewhere.

7. August
Echinops is now
a popular item.
And it offers a good
platform for noticing
Why Bumblebees
have better access
to a wide variety of
flower forms.
Their proboscis, the part a bee uses to gather pollen is longer than
Honeybees. The forage array for pollen now includes more options
and more total flowers than at any other time of the growing season.
Yet I may decide to add a few more late blooming flowers simply to
know I have covered all the bases. I want to see if I can add to the list
of insect pollinators visiting the gardens.

8. September
The higher temps in late Summer this year
have kept the Bumblebees out in greater
numbers. I notice a hole in the brickwork near
our main entry because the Bumblebees keep
going in and out.
So they have found
the bare dirt under
the entry flooring.
An explanation for why
they keep increasing
their numbers each year
Hummingbirds are back.
Gathering pollen and nectar
from annuals for the trip South.
I wish them safe travels