Bees nest!

[WeeGranny]

Wasps nests are absolutely beautiful!

[Daisy]

Recently every time I check the water in the bowl on the bird feeder I find 2 or 3 dead bees I presume they go in for drink then drown. Now I am torn between the birds going thirsty or the poor bees drowning.

Gem - I've got a saucer - just a plastic one for a 8 or 10" plant pot. I've put several fairly large but flattish stone in and one or two small stones so insects can get in and out easily. The birds also use it and toads, frogs and anything else wandering about in our garden. I rinse it out and top it up with fresh water every day.

Oma - my beekeeper BIL says you shouldn't put out sugar water just on the off chance because it's less nutritious for the bees but they think they don't then need to get pollen. It's fine for reviving an exhausted bee as it gives them energy to get on the wing again. He used to give sugar water to the hive in a hard winter to keep the colony going, but there's plenty of food around for them at the moment. But I think the little lids of water is a great idea.

I wonder why wasps can be so evil, but make such beautiful homes for themselves. Nature really is amazing!

[Gemini]

The stones idea is a good one Daisy. Thanks. Someone else suggested a sponge in there, but I'm not sure that will work.

[Plantaholic]

Good idea daisy, the bees collect water from my bird bath, it has sloping edges so they can get water without drowning. When sugar was rationed, think it was in the 80's my OH used to get a sugar ration for his bees.

[Grauntie Mag]

I am a wasp fan. They help keep the caterpillar, aphid and ant population down. When they ‘bother’ us it is because they need food and are looking for sweet sugary things to survive.
I also love bees. I grow quite a few herbs which are constantly full of bees when in flower.

[Gemini]

Grauntie that is exactly what GS1 told me this afternoon! 2 wasp defenders in one day

[Daisy]

Grauntie - there are plenty of aphids on our tree lupin plants - a veritable feast of 'em. Our wasps must be junk food junkies because they go for our food instead!!!