It seems like building housing for native bees would be a good thing, but it seems I've created some tiny striped monsters. With so many options available in my garden, they've started to see everything as potential housing.
Today I watched a leafcutter bee for thirty minutes as she tried to decide between the holes in an orchid pot and the hole in the handle of my Cobrahead tool. If you're not wondering how I could stare at a bee for 30 minutes, you're my kind of people. Look closely at the hole in the blue handle - that's her butt in there. She must've gone in and out fifty times, trying to envision where to put her things.
Can't really see her? Here's a blurry, but full picture of my little friend.
It's not her fault, really. The old digs were already buzzin' with new tenants and she had to think fast. That new fancy place with the green bottles may have looked too rich for her taste, and what's a girl to do with kids on the way? Here's someone moving into the old place ...
Other option was this waterfront property, but it already had several offers.
Update 2 days later: she appears to have chosen the CobraHead.
All material © 2013 by Vicki Blachman for Playin' Outside.
Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Comments
Thanks for the chuckle image of Ms. Bee trying to mentally place her furnishings in that handle hole!
A new insect hotel is in the works at our house. We're in the collecting materials phase. Can't wait for construction!
Pam - went to BSN to purchase another because I don't want to disturb her. Can you believe they don't carry CobraHead? They certainly know about them now.
Ally - please be sure to link to your blog with a comment here when you finish your insect hotel. Can't wait to see it!
Katina - glad you picked up on the little block. It's one of several options (CobraHead handle not originally included) that are available for them in the garden.