***PICS as promised on pg. 3 **** I have heard about how bees are dying out, and so when we see several gathered in our fountain and bird bath, I was happy. Yay for bees! They help pollinate! Then I noticed they were drowning in the water. So, I started hanging around after I added new water to these fountains to rescue any bees that fell in and were flailing about. I recently switched out the ivy/berry fake plants I had initially put in the flowerbox under my chicken coop's window. It was decorative only, and I wanted to swtich things up by putting in some brightly-colored flowers. Now, the bees are all over that planter box. They never land, it's like they are thinking... "*Looks* right, but doesn't smell or taste right. Imma try the next flower. Hmm. *Looks* right, but..." They haven't left yet, and it is going on day #3. They are bothering my son who wants very much to play with chickens but is scared of bees. I guess I'll have to take out my pretty flowers. I had been happy to do my part to provide water for the bees and hopefully save some of these apparently headed-for-extinction insects. But, you can't save stupid.
Your info doesn't indicate what part of the country you're in but here in NJ many places have had precious little water in quite some time. Various creatures are desperate for a drink but can't navigate the few sources they find, yet are forced to try. The bees need a way to get to and from water without drowning in the process. JJ
OK, thanks for the tip. I'll put a stick in the water sources for them, but it is usually only a problem when I add new water and the level rises on them unexpectantly. I have a garden full of flowers on the other side of the house. So, maybe they think I'm trying to trick them with the new fake ones. Just amazed they go by sight and not smell/taste.
Honey bees are attracted to flowers with bright colors, but cannot see red. We've had a honey bee decline around here. I plan on dedicating a part of my pasture to a wildflower section next year.
Quote:They perceive red as black, it isn't that they don't see it. Which is why it is a bad idea to wear red when working hives, since they view black as a threat.
