Bee Nice

 Even though I have yet to do a full, in depth bug walk this spring, I already feel concerned that the number of insects in my backyard is low. From things I read I now think that the low numbers of insects last year was due to the drought, and I am beginning to wonder if that has carried over into this year. It certainly makes sense that it would. Yes, I do see insects when I go outside, but I don't think I am seeing as many as I should. As it has now been about a week since the last time it rained, and the water level in the ponds in the wood is diminishing, I am also beginning to worry that we are going to have another drought year. Alas for the poor insects if we do. Alas for all of the natural things trying to grown and thrive.

Backyard Bug of the Day:

There were very few bees in the myrtle today, but I saw two big bumblebees, and one of them agreed to allow me to photograph it.

Another place I have seen bees occasionally, lately, is on the trunks of trees:

Here's an insect that missed out on its chance to be Backyard Bug of the Day when it scooted out of sight before I could get close enough with my camera for a good picture:

You may not see the insect, but I gather you see my point?

Cockroach; it is hard to tell, but I think juvenile, because it looks like it doesn't have fully developed wings. A good time to remind everyone that as much as we don't want them in our homes, there are many species of cockroaches, and in nature, where they belong, the perform important functions as decomposers.

Arachnid Appreciation:

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Jumping spider on a hazelnut tree. Those are the catkins, in this case the male flowers, to the right of the spider.