Worker Bee

These chubby Eastern Bumble bees are the last species of bumble bee in the garden now.  The nests are done for the season and the remaining workers will just eat until the first frost.  They have short lives, some only a month, and they have only one job which is to care for and protect the queen and her offspring.  Older generations of bees forage for pollen to feed the colony; while younger generations care for the brood.  Males do not work at all, their sole purpose being to mate with the Queens.  In the late summer, males are produced as well as young Queens - I think you know what everyone's job is in the scenario, right?  This is a female worker who is enjoying her remaining days in my pollinator garden.

I met up with 4 friends at the Refuge this morning and we had a really enjoyable walk.  The morning started brisk but once the sun got higher, it was very comfortable.  I think the highlight of the morning was seeing hundreds of Tree Swallows feeding on the marsh, dipping into the water to grab insects before swirling around above our heads.  And to add a menacing element, there were at least two big snapping turtles just below the surface of the water, occasionally making a grab for one of the swallows.  

On our way back to the cars as we passed through a wooded area, a mama black bear and three large cubs crossed the trail in front of us.  We stopped and watched, knowing we weren't in any danger.  And the bears melted into the wooded area along the side of the trail, invisible to all.  

Jax is at daycare today, no doubt having a great time.  I always wash all of his blankets and bedding when he's at daycare, so everything is fresh and clean now.  I'm sure he is going to sleep very well tonight!

I've got a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning and hoping I can get home in time for my Zoom yoga class at 11.  Bracing for rain this weekend.

Dark with ginger today.

xo
Debbi