reply to post by SonoftheSun
Personal observation:
I do not see bees much anymore here in Florida, especially not regularly in smaller swarms as they look for pollen. I've noticed, however, a strange
thing going on. About once a week or so, when I open my hurricane shutters at my business (to prevent break-ins), there will be a bee clinging
drowsily to the aluminum shutters. They're accordion style and knowing what I know about their scarcity, I will make any attempt not to crush it,
rather leaving that leaflet of the accordion partially open to give it an opportunity to...:? ...sober up? ...warm up? ...get with it? Not sure. I
have always forgotten to check and see if it was still there later in the day or had fallen dead or flown off. I'll try to pay attention next time.
At any rate, I'm curious, other than perhaps the timed back lights above the entrance that are on all night, what might be attracting these loner bees
to cling to my aluminum shutters. Any thoughts? Are they members who have gone off on their own due to collapse?
As far as the cause, I'm almost certain it has to do with genetic modification and pesticides. I would also venture that our method of controlling
plant life in a rather homogeneous manner, picking what we want, rather than what works in our environment leads to some of these problems. Also,
considering the habit of mowing flowerless lawns, leaving little in the way of ground flowers, such as dandelions and the like available to them
probably causes some problems of attaining food. However, none of that would be a problem in the wild...so, I guess that can't be the unique issue,
but perhaps a cause in an urban setting.
edit on 28-1-2012 by Sphota because: (no reason given)