I haven't particularly noticed any lack of bumblebees, but I have noted that
my 2 plums trees are very light on plums this year. The older, larger one
to the west has done better and has a few red plums on it now. The smaller
one, closer to the house, and shaded more during the afternoon, only has
some green plums at the very top while also having a large dusty gray patch
of leaves on its eastern side. I noticed the dusty gray area because it is
also drawing a lot of birds. First year I've caught a downy in the tree
rather than at the feeder. I had assumed it was due to the abnormally
extended cold/damp spring, but now you mention another possibility. How are
your fruit trees looking other than not bearing this year?

Liz in Bellevue

On Sun, Jul 25, 2010 at 12:00 PM, <wheelermombi at comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi Tweeters,
>
>
>
> I have a question that is more entomological than ornithological, but, of
> course, it all ties in together. I have a large patch of lavender that is
> typically covered by bumblebees by this time of year. So far, I have not
> seen more than 5 at a time and I'm quite concerned. In addition, very few
> of my fruit trees were pollinated this spring. I know that there has been
> concerned expressed by the Xerces Society that a few species of wild
> bumblebee species are in severe decline, but this is the first that I have
> experienced it myself. Have any of you noticed a similar decline? Thanks,
>
>
>
> Lonnie Somer
>
> Olympia, WA
>
> wheelermombi at comcast.net
>
>

--
Liz Copeland
http://www.lizcopeland.com - fiber art, pictures!!!
http://www.lizcopeland.blogspot.com - the artist life
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