And here is the First Bumblebee!

 I knew when I left hy home this morning, that the addition of sunshine to mild temperatures would bring out the bumblebees, and when I went to the park cafe again, it as time to go looking again. 

My tea finished, I wandered over to the little grassy area where the crocuses grow, and today the crocuses that were empty on my post yesterday, had customers today. 

Two beautifully fresh queen buff tailed bumblebees were moving around the flowers, perhaps feeding for the first time since they woke up. I think this is always the species I see first in spring. 

Sadly, my shots ended up quite soft, so I'm giving you the best one today. 

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 22.02.26 

Hello Little Lady

 So, this week among the glorious purple and white flowers in the cemetery, on a dull day where I thought I'd see no such thing, my vaguely sharp eye detected a bumblebee making its way low down among the crocuses about 20 metres away. 

Pausing my attempts to attempt to take a rubbish selfie that would impress no-one, I skipped over and found what I was expecting - a buff tailed bumblebee queen, always the first bumble on the wing in the spring.

For a slightly chilly day, the bee was moving and feeding fast among the flowers, and it wasn't easy to get a good shot of it, for which I apologise. It made me glad however, to have had a decent walk over a lazy weekend and to be rewarded for making the effort. 

A very small joy in what is a pretty black time.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 02.03.22

Look at these Saddlebags!

 I'm amazed this hard working buff tailed bumblebee was even able to get off the ground carrying this much shopping!

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 05.06.21