next message in archive
no next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects
Dear All, Deep frost penetration these last two winters have been a threat to wild bees based on two areas which previously had many active entry/exit holes. And last summer, when the "lawn" was in bloom it was too cold or windy for feeding except for one day when a large number and variety of wild bees had a feast. Bumble Bees, having apparently a good space heater, are not included in the above. This year has been much better for bees in the yard. Honey Bee activity has decreased recently, probably due to hive rental for crop pollination. But small wild bees have been numerous in the yard this year; based on size and shape at least four species. During the Dandelion peak, especially after Ground Ivy came into bloom, with wind and temperature favorable for feeding, one could rarely look down and fail to see several bees feeding, coming or going. About 1/4 of the garden area has in recent years been covered by mixed brush and minced or un-minced leaves to a depth of ~3'. I wonder if some bees have found winter refuge there ? There is far more bee activity in the yard than anywhere else in Kentville. Not that I have surveyed every lot but I have seen then elsewhere by exception (e.g. Miners Marsh). The manicured lawn, cut frequently with the rotary lawn mower, is a menace to all wildlife. Yard waste is trucked off to be composted indoors [stupid cubed], Kitty litter and Doggy Do are trucked of in poly bags to the land fill [stupid squared]. And I fear that bug zappers are active in the area. A Mosquito or Black Fly near here is an event. But how can you gently tell your neighbor that not giving insects an environment is a splendid way to impoverish the environment of everything which feeds on insects.... Swallows, Bats, Nighthawks....and the human environment while not generating anger and a closed mind ? It is a puzzle. And to top it off the Canadian Wildlife Federation tries to blame neionics. A great way to collect donations from people whose crap detector is nonfunctional by not a great way to protect bees or wildlife in general. About 1956 Pogo said "I have seen the enemy and he is us." but the message continues to fall on deaf ears. Dave Webster, Kentville
next message in archive
no next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects