It seemed like the butterflies and bees heard the prediction of a rainy week and they were busy enjoying the warm sunshine on this last day of September. Although the smaller wingspan, of about 2 inches, makes it small compared to the swallowtail butterflies, the bright reddish orange color against the black makes the Red Admiral stand out on the flower blossoms.
Red Admiral in September
The unusual warm weather is definitely more like summer than autumn and even some late blooming sunflowers (thanks to some fussy birds who threw seeds out of the feeder) are enjoying the warm sunshine before it freezes. The bees and other insects are enjoying the sunny day.
Late Sunflower
During the part of the day when the sun was shining, the bees were busy collecting pollen. And right now in my woods, the Virginia Waterleaf is blooming and attracting a lot of pollinating insects, like these honey bees.
Honey Bees at Work
On a cold December day, you won’t find a butterfly or other insects on the bright colorful butterfly weed. Even my last little viola has disappeared under the snow so the yard is not very colorful except for a cardinal or blue jay at the feeder.
Butterfly Weed
The work week starts on Monday for many people, but some jobs require working weekends and nature doesn’t pay much attention to weekends as every day is a busy one. The bees have been very busy collecting pollen and I didn’t mow off some blossoms on Friday as it was full of working bees.
Incoming Bee
The bumblebees were busy collecting nectar as soon as the rain stopped. The flowers were drooping their heads even more after the rain, causing the bees to play “Hang on Harvey” in order to get the nectar. Even the bee in the lower left corner had the same pose. Bumblebees are important pollinators of both crops and wildflowers but with their large round body size, compared to their wings, it is hard to believe they are capable of flight.
Busy Bumble Bee
A lot of work is happening outside on one of the last warm autumn days; from yard work, crop harvesting and even bees gathering the last offering of pollen to store as honey for the long winter.
Busy as a Bee
Yesterday the bees were busy working during the few hours of sunlight when it wasn’t raining and with the colder temps this week, they better get their honeycombs filled.
Busy, Busy Bee
Although the sun was out and make the snow bright, it didn’t feel too warm outside, so I rather see some sunflowers brightening the fields with busy bees buzzing around. But that dang groundhog said winter would be a long one!
Sunny Sunflowers
The honey bees are enjoying the late blooming asters and the way the bees have been collecting pollen, I don’t think it will be a mild winter so I better get busy like the bee and get the outside work done before the snow flies!
Busy as a Bee
