A Chorus of Pollinators in the Orchard
Despite the blasts of winter last week the blossoms on the plum trees in our orchard burst into bloom this weekend. Mother Nature couldn't have scheduled the sunshine, blue skies and 70 degree temperatures better.
I absolutely adore these blossoms. They just make me happy. And, as I stood admiring their pure white blooms against the clear blue sky the symphony of buzzing began. The riotous concerto could be heard from across the garden. What a joy to see my beloved pollinators again after their long winter slumber.
I first noticed the honey bees as they were most numerous. They actively flew from one blossom to the next. Going in for a quick landing and take off. They never hovered for long. So many blooms to visit.
Despite their hurried efforts their pollen sacks were getting fat. They were very industrious as if they were making up for lost time. Maybe they were just as giddy as I was for the glorious spring day.
Other pollinators ventured out to join the festivities too. A few wasps came to inspect the blooms and drink the sweet nectar as well as various flies.
There was even a very tiny spider crawling around the blooms in a maize-like fashion. Perhaps searching for some lunch.
There was much merriment. Bees doing their waggle and hum, flies bustling and the vivacious wasps gracefully gliding from flower to flower. It was a busy place in the orchard today. And I think I can say with certainty that the pollinators and I are all the more happy for it.
I absolutely adore these blossoms. They just make me happy. And, as I stood admiring their pure white blooms against the clear blue sky the symphony of buzzing began. The riotous concerto could be heard from across the garden. What a joy to see my beloved pollinators again after their long winter slumber.
I first noticed the honey bees as they were most numerous. They actively flew from one blossom to the next. Going in for a quick landing and take off. They never hovered for long. So many blooms to visit.
Despite their hurried efforts their pollen sacks were getting fat. They were very industrious as if they were making up for lost time. Maybe they were just as giddy as I was for the glorious spring day.
Other pollinators ventured out to join the festivities too. A few wasps came to inspect the blooms and drink the sweet nectar as well as various flies.
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| Red paper wasp |
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| Tachnid fly |
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| Hoverfly |
There was much merriment. Bees doing their waggle and hum, flies bustling and the vivacious wasps gracefully gliding from flower to flower. It was a busy place in the orchard today. And I think I can say with certainty that the pollinators and I are all the more happy for it.
Oh, it is so nice to see the pollinators again. The fruit trees get those early bees in our area too - we just have quite a long wait yet. I love how you beautifully captured them with the blue sky behind, it just cries spring is on the way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! It certainly lifted the spirits to see the blue sky. This week we are expecting rain and overcast skies although the temperatures are rising. We are slowly easing into spring!
DeleteI saw a honey bee this weekend and it seemed stunned at the sudden change in weather. It was so slow and groggy. Nothing is blooming yet. Do you think I should put out sugar water?
ReplyDeleteYou could do that Tammy. They are often low on carbs in early spring and if there are no flower sources that would be helpful. Make sure it is a shallow container and it helps to put some rocks or pebbles in it so they don't drown.
DeleteYour post just screams SPRING, and makes us all do a happy dance at seeing blooms and pollinators again. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad that it put a spring in your step!
DeleteWhat great joy Karin for both you and those pollinators...these blooms are just bliss!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that the buds were not blasted by the late freeze. I can see why you love the flowers, and I can see why the bees love them too!
ReplyDeleteI love this! That feeling of the first big pollinator rush. Sounds like they're making up for lost time. :)
ReplyDeleteYour pictures as always are beautiful. The plum tree blossoms are lovely. The only plums trees I see around here (whose identity I am sure of) are the ones with the pink flowers and purple leaves.
ReplyDelete