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Huge Bee on Winter Clematis "Freckles"

David Matthews2David Matthews2 Posts: 559
in Wildlife gardening

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 I know it's been very mild until recently, but surely this fellow is in a 'hurry' to get late benefit from the nectaries on the clematis blooms?

 

 

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Central Norfolk UKPosts: 71,991

    Lovely pics - fabulous when you zoom in on them image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Leicestershire, UKPosts: 11,069

    That'll probably be a queen building up her reserves before hibernating.  Excellent photos!image

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • David Matthews2David Matthews2 Posts: 559

    Thanks for your kind comments, Dove and Bob! My wife and I have (independenty) seen this particular bee several times over the last few weeks - she's generally paying special attention to the (still) flowering begonias and adjacent fuchsias - but ignoring pelargoniums and hebe [just coming into flower]. More news anon.

  • Secret SquirrelSecret Squirrel Posts: 533

    Hi David

    If you have December copy of GW, go to page 94. Brilliant article on Bumblebees

  • steve blacksteve black Posts: 9

    funny enough had one few days back on mahonia  

  • Wildlife Gardener 123Wildlife Gardener 123 Posts: 51

    That Bee really does seem to be arriving close to the cold weather. Good photograph. image

    I should soon be getting a kit from The Bee Cause (Friends Of The Earth) that will come with a Bee identification guide so should be good for spring when the Bees return.

  • steve blacksteve black Posts: 9

    iften see them in February  looking for nests too so dont sleep long  

  • David Matthews2David Matthews2 Posts: 559

    Thanks for your kind comment, WildlifeG123. I've yet to 'delve' into my December GW as I've been gardening (thinning shrubberies & pruning roses, reglazing greenhouse etc) up in the Midlands for a week or so - will definitely look out for the Bumblebees article, cheers, Mark 1963!

  • nutcutletnutcutlet PeterboroughPosts: 26,160

    http://bumblebeeconservation.org/

    Worth a look. I signed up for their newsletter last year, lots of articles to read

  • Jilly5Jilly5 Posts: 11

    I have a clematis Freckles by my kitchen window wich is visited by a large bumble all winter .We saw a bumblebee in all weathers last winter too. the clematis flowers from november to march each year.

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