Pollen baskets

The first warm days of spring have long been marked by queen Buff-tailed Bumblebees emerging from hibernation, stopping to sup nectar from winter blooms such as Early Crocus or Winter Honeysuckle, a shrub which has one of the finest fragrances in the winter garden. But, with climate change, Buff-tailed Bumblebee nests often stay active throughout the winter.

There were at least three bees foraging on the Winter Honeysuckle today, despite the frosty start. One was a Queen but two were workers, busily gathering pollen, with great success if the size of their pollen sacs is anything to go by! 

Earlier in the season Japanese Mahonia Mahonia japonica is an important source of pollen and nectar, followed by other shrubs such as Viburnum x bodnantense and Winter-flowering Heather. All are well worth growing in any wildlife friendly garden.