The first bumblebees of spring are always a delight. These queens have spent the harsh winter months under the ground, usually in a small chamber which they excavate in the autumn, and they are awoken by a rise in temperature. That such a small creature can remain safe through snow and ice in this way is a miracle in itself, but to emerge unscathed and looking ‘brand-new’ is even more surprising. We are used to the tatty nature of the small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies that appear at this time, with torn wings and faded colours, but I always think that the first queen bumblebees look like they are back from a holiday in a nice warm climate! The drone of a queen always makes me look up and marvel at the fact that they can fly at all. At this time of year in my garden, there isn’t really a great deal for them in terms of nectar or pollen – only dandelions, but these serve the purpose well enough. Her next task, after replenishing her energy stores, will be to seek out an old mouse nest to lay her eggs.
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Garden Tweets
- A male brambling in an otherwise quiet garden yesterday. https://t.co/uA0J4hzvDh 1 week ago
- Blue tits in the garden getting an early start! https://t.co/9byeany9x0 3 weeks ago
- Frogspawn in the smaller, warmer pond, and a single common newt. Spring 😊 https://t.co/BQeXnyUjkx 1 month ago
- Windy in my Shropshire garden today! https://t.co/hFGW8GGhmF 1 month ago
- Bluebell leaves in the garden this morning. Spring on its way. https://t.co/wYeIjpKI2X 1 month ago
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