Bumble Bees

Kevin Schoessow, University of Wisconsin Extension Area Agriculture Development Educator forBurnett, Sawyer and Washburn Counties spent well over an hour observing a Bombus (Bumble Bee) nest in the compost bin at the Spooner Agricultural Research Station.  He used an upturned bucket to make for a nice observation seat in front of the nest entry.  They pretty much ignored him as he sat there.   Here are his observations: 

"If I stand over the opening to the top of the bin and look down on the pile of grass and then tap the edge of the bin with my foot, the hive comes to life.  The buzzing sound is almost deafening, and its amazing how bees almost magically appear from under the grass.  It’s like they are sentinel laying in wait just beneath the surface.  In a matter of seconds there are close to a dozen crawling and flying above the grass and I have been chased away on more than one occasion.  Hopefully all this attention doesn’t interfere with their business.  Based on what I am seeing/hearing we have a very healthy nest."

Now is the time to observe bumble bees at their busiest.  There are a number of resources to learn more about these important pollinators.  

• UW Madison Online Guide to Bumble Bees  "This website is meant to help share the fascinating life history and biology of bumbles, as well as teach how to identify and conserve them here in Wisconsin."
• Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade - from the Wisconsin DNR - "The mission of the Bumble Bee Brigade is to improve our understanding, management and conservation of all 20 of these important pollinators. Program volunteers survey, count and photograph bumble bees, and then submit their results online. Volunteers are highly encouraged to attend an in-person training, but online training materials are available for those who cannot attend. The Bumble Bee Brigade is active April through October. Get Involved [exit DNR]."
• UW Extension "Supporting Native Bees" 
• Wisconsin Pollinator Plan
• Backyard Bumble Bee Count   Sponsored by iNaturalist.org is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society​

The Spooner Agricultural Research Station Teaching and Display Gardens are open for self-guided tours during all daylight hours. Please follow the social distancing guidelines that are posted.