Posts Tagged: pollinator gardening workshop

Why Honey Bees Forage in California Poppies

When you see honey bees foraging on the California poppy, the state flower, they're not there for the nectar. They're there for the pollen. "California poppies provide only pollen--no nectar," native pollinator specialist Robbin Thorp, emeritus...

Two honey bees foraging on a California poppy. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Two honey bees foraging on a California poppy. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Honey bee with a pollen load. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Honey bee with a pollen load. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Best of Bodega: Bees Buzzing on Echium

The Pride of Maderia (Echium candicans) is blooming in the tiny Sonoma coastal community of Bodega. The purplish-blue spiked flowers attract honey bees, bumble bees and syrphid flies. And visitors. And photographers. The honey bees were buzzing all...

Honey bees foraging on the Pride of Madeira at Bodega Bay. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Honey bees foraging on the Pride of Madeira at Bodega Bay. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey

Honey bee targeting an Echium. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Honey bee targeting an Echium. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

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