A Bumblebee stranded on the ground, as if a small aeroplane having endured a bad landing, the pilot awaiting help.
Carefully approaching this seemingly lost pollen-collector, extending a finger of friendship and liberation, its front leg raised in recognition of human kindness. As if totally trusting the ‘rescuer’ this little fellow crawled up my finger onto the palm of my hand. Such trust is truly incredible; a privilege.
This is not the first time I have rescued a bumblebee from being potentially trodden on or captured by a predator for lunch.
There is something so gentle and harmless about bumblebees; the larger ones rather impressive. It is said that as they do not sting, perhaps their badge is ‘humblebee’. I am not sure what a large bumblebee would make of that description.
I find it impossible to leave such gentle creatures to suffer at the hands of chance. They almost seem ‘too good’ to be a mere insect. They empathize in sign language and movement.
There is a sense of gratitude; indeed the raising of a front leg signals the desire for assistance, or a modest greeting, perhaps.
Such a wonderful experience where these royal pollen-gatherers do so for the benefit of humankind’s desire for sweet honey.
Bumblebees become so weighed down with pollen; their mission to deliver more pollen than allows them to ‘take-off’. Or crash-land.
Bumblebees’ ability to fly is contrary to a scientific theory that indicates their mass being in conflict with the ability to take off, let alone fly around from flower to flower, accompanied by their loud buzzing sound.
On rescuing this little fellow on Monday, June 21st, I presented it to some blooms, and as with other ‘rescues’ the bumblebee turned around and started to crawl away from the bloom in question. The impression being, rather fussy about which bloom would be acceptable, or perhaps enjoying a lift upon a hand. Ultimately a bloom is approved, although some encouragement is required to facilitate a move from palm to flower.
Bumblebees, honey bees, and the smaller, lightly colored bumblebees are fussy. They have their preferred flowers.
Sitting, observing such species flying, and choosing a bloom, thus joining others of the same species is rather interesting. Teamwork?
Another type of insect; a ladybird, resplendent in red with black spots, was seen floating in a bucket of water. I scooped up the ladybird and waited for at least ten or more minutes while it sat on my hand, unfolded each wing away from its ‘shell’ in order to dry it, one wing at a time. A complex and rather fascinating procedure as it was really soaked.
Eventually, she flew away; not even a nod of thanks! But safe in the air once more.
Such moments are so special and never forgotten.
Simon, Great post. I have a yard full of Bees and Birds. Enjoyed this story my friend
Dear Garry,
Thank you for your comments. They certainly are fussy! I ‘rescued’ another that needed som sugar water to quench its thirst. I just find them so fascinating, tame and trusting..
Thanks again Garry
I agreed with everything you said about Bumblebees. Lovely story, Simon and so glad you were able to save one (even if he/she was fussy!). ❤
Dear Carol,
Thank you so much for your comments and real-life observations of bumblebees that I know you enjoy. There are so many flying around and as the season moves ahead, they will become bigger and bigger. That is when they can tend to become grounded..
Oh Simon, my heart opens with your so much love for nature. I can feel it in your words. You will love my article on Friday I’m sure, hahaha, likeminded souls. 😉
.Dear Eyra,
Thank you so much for you comments. I very much look forward to your article on Friday!
Lovely! Reminds me of my forest walk today. And my return home to a hovering hummingbird.
blessings,
Cynthia
Dear Cynthia,
Just your one-line description transports me to another dimension.
Thank you
Ladybirds get thirsty, often it becomes their doom. I am glad you saved one of these aphid hunting flower protectors, Simon.
What a lovely interaction with a bee you have described.
I feel such connection with bees; the whole hive are siblings – imaging what would be like to have 10,000 siblings! In my mind a hive is not very different from a human: Lots of individuals/cells that have decided to collaborate for the greater good and who live and die while the hive/person lives on. It makes me much more appreciative of every worker-cell doing its job without having to be told by the, oh so arrogant, ego.
Dear Charlotte,
Thank you for your comments; your delightful description. It is so special that bumblebees and honeybees have a mission. AS you say, they collaborate. There seems to be some for of order, An invisible guiding magnet. Truly awesome. It is only when one sits and looks for some time, that a form of pattern manifests itself. I love your analogy.
Thank you Simon for sharing this post. It has many lessons for us such as “Bumblebees become so weighed down with pollen; their mission to deliver more pollen than allows them to ‘take-off’. Or crash-land.”
Unlike the ladybird. I landed safely on your post and now fly away saying thank you, Simon.
Dear Ali,
We seem to be on the same waive-length. Mother nature does present us with such wonders that are easily overlooked in this high-speed human-centered world.
Thank you, Ali