Bug Squad

Earlier this week the National Weather Service warned us about an excessive heat spell--"dangerous and record-breaking heat conditions" here in California's Central Valley and the foothills that may reach 100 to 113 degrees today (Wednesday) through Sunday.

If you vacation at Bodega Bay--sometimes called "Blow-dega" due to whipping winds--you've probably driven to Bodega Head to watch for whales, see the waves crash against the cliffs, spot seabirds nesting in the rocks, or to observe such fauna as deer and red-tailed hawks on the horizon.

Early scientists figured it was aerodynamically impossible for bumble bees to fly due to their size, weight and shape of their bodies in relation to their total wingspan. And then there were those air resistance issues.

Happy Fly Day Friday! If you've ever wondered why entomologists and insect enthusiasts post images of flies on Friday, not to worry. They consider this "Fly Day." The Urban Dictionary defines Fly Day as "the day of the week when contract employees fly from their work site to their home location.

Let's hear it for the sweat bee. It's one of the many tiny bees that ought to be honored and recognized during Pollination Week, June 21-27, but it's often overlooked. We've been seeing many of this species, Halictus tripartitus, in our pollinator garden in Vacaville.