Saturday, 14 October 2023

Ivy Pollen

The warm weather over the past few days has meant the bees are still very active with a lot of pollen being brought in.  This is a bit surprising as brood rearing must be almost over for the year.  Perhaps they are stocking up for spring while there is a good supply available.


At this time of year about 90% of the pollen comes from ivy.  Ivy pollen has a high level of amino acids and the nectar is rich in sugar, 49% w/w.


The bees are still on guard against intruders.  This wasp is probably a queen so I don't know if she was looking for honey or for somewhere to hibernate.  Either way she was quickly shown the door.

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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous17 May 2024 at 07:32

    Thanks for the informative pics of ivy pollen and nectar. Starting over with two late packages which missed the winter tree pollen by over a month (Bailey’s acacia, Chinese elm, maple, almond, peach and plum) so I’m glad to know the ivy will help with brood diet. The grasses and plantain have lovely pollen, but no bees interested

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