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Bees in pond sludge
Victoria Sponge
Posts: 3,502
Hello all
I have bees in my chimney and today they are all over the garden.
I've noticed them around the pond before but today they are all over a patch that has dried out, not at the watery side.
Does anyone know if there is something in the sludge they want or are they just keeping to the shallows for safety?
Wearside, England.
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I thought these were honeybees but could be wrong...
Been on hands and knees next to the pond trying to work out what they're up to?
Last edited: 14 April 2017 14:59:40
SORRY, TRIED TO EDIT IN BOLD - DIDN'T WORK
It could be as Pansy suggested but it does seem a little early, with that said everything is early this Spring. Bees do need fresh water to drink from in times of drought. I put a saucer with pebbles in for them to land and drink safely outside.
I've topped the pond up now and they are still landing on the stray bits of algae and trails of sludge rather than drinking off the edge of a stone for example...cooler now so less about now. I'll keep an eye on the weirdos.
Just found this VS:
https://honeybeesuite.com/water-sources-for-bees/
Ohhhhh - this makes perfect sense now, thanks Bob.
The 'water' certainly was fragrant as the the article says!
Feel guilty now for filling it up, might scoop some out and chuck it in the other little pond.
Yum
Hi Folks,
Just back in from watering some pots and spotted this thread.
We keep hives of honeybees in our garden .... and as soon as I start to water anything I have plenty of "company". The bees are very interested in any wet soil .... and, as Bob's article points out, a good muddy puddle.
At this time of the year they are using water for mixing pollen to a nice paste to feed to their brood. They also need water to soften any of their winter stores that have granulated and hardened ... ivy honey does this.
In the summer they need lots of water to keep their hive cool.
Clever little things aren't they!
Bee
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
That is interesting Bee, thank you
They have spent two winters in my chimney and today their behaviour was unusual... was worried they were moving as dozens of them were circling the chimney, more in the pond and all over the garden. Also was worried my neighbours might see them and overreact
They've gone back to normal now, just going back and forth.
Phew!