BEE-N A Long Winter

I’m not an entomologist, but I know an insect when I see one. In this case, I was certainly not expecting to see one.

Yesterday, I wore glove, my standard two hats and four layers of clothing when I went out to film the resident birds for the first time in a good long while. Why had I not ventured out for so long? First, like nearly everyone else in my country, the deep freeze in February kept me huddled up indoors. Then, with the quick thaw after substantial snow, the ground turned to mud – deep, deep mud. The kind of mud in which one might get their golf cart stuck – and, yes I did! So, even though I was ready to travel outdoors, my accommodations were not available.

Today, for the first time in months, I didn’t wear a hat. I took it just in case – but, then I felt terribly silly because there was no need for such clothing today. In fact, I was overwhelmed with joy at the feeling of wind blowing through my hair. I also didn’t wear gloves. But, that doesn’t mean I don’t remember how cold it was just a few days ago.

Nevertheless, even with such a brilliantly warm and sunny day I didn’t expect to see an insect when I looked through this afternoon’s worth of photos. Yes! I captured honey bee on film…Today! What he was doing out buzzing about so early I can’t say. I suppose it is possible this is a common time for honey bees to break from the hive’s warmth in early March. Like I said, I’m not an entomologist!