A Valentine for the bees

Yesterday was a mild day with some sun. It reached around fifty degrees by noon, and the birds of Spring were singing in the morning.

Anytime its nice out and I'm out with the chickens, I have to take a peak at the bees.  They were buzzing about and taking their time coming in for a landing so I went in for a closer look.

I noticed that the bees were flying in with their back legs splayed open.  When their legs are wide open for a landing, it usually means that they are full of something. Typically its water or nectar, and on a brief occasion, soda from a can that someone dropped in the yard.  Knowing that there is no nectar to be had I sat and watched their flight path to see where they were getting water from.

While watching I was surprised to see some of the girls coming in with pollen.

What?! Pollen?!  In February?!!!!

Yup.

No lie folks, the bee's were coming in with two different kinds. A ash gray colour, and a bright, ruby red. Heavy with pollen too- so much so they had it on their furry little heads.

I was so excited I called my husband. You can imagine when he answers the phone with a "hello," and gets a "the bees have pollen!!!!" response.

So looking up where gray pollen comes from I find out it comes from Red Maple, which we have in our front yard. Sure enough- its budding.

I know, I know, I'm just being hopeful right? It couldn't possibly be blooming and budding going on THIS early in the year. All I have to say to that is- Panxsutawney Phil- you were wrong.

We were lucky to have a mild winter. And if you think that 30 degrees at night is fricken freezing, then you should look into early Floridian retirement.


Bee's don't lie peeps. And speaking of peeps, you should wake up early and listen to those Spring birds singing those lovely songs.

So springtime might be earlier than expected, which who could complain?  Those of you with allergies- get ready.

So why do bees collect pollen anyways?
Babies.
Babies eat pollen. Their babies do:)
How awesome:)