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Jan 28, 2017 9:41 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: UrbanWild
Kentucky (Zone 6b)
Kentucky - Plant Hardiness Zone 7a
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Last week I saw something really odd. I went outside to check a bird feeder that I had been experimenting with the feeding peanut hearts and saw movement inside. I opened it up and a honey bee flew out. We had abnormally warm weather for about a week and a half prior. I thought it was odd but since the feeder was empty I thought I would refill it.

I went to get the bag of peanut hearts and found that apparently the bag that I had bought just a few days prior was infested with Indian meal moths...caterpillars and webbing everywhere. The store must have a problem. If you've ever had an infestation of these moths you know that it's very difficult to control them and they spread rapidly. So I decided to dump them out on a couple of pavers in the backyard.

After couple of hours of yard work, I went back by the piles and noticed movement. It was a honeybee frantically going through all the grains and big piles of the peanut hearts. I sat down and watched for a while. The bee would rumage, take off heavily laden, and return. Within 20 minutes, there were two honeybees doing this, then three. I added a little water to the side of one pile to see if it was a desire for moisture. It had no effect. Whatever they were getting, only the peanut hearts occupied their efforts. My viewing was cut short by a line of heavy cloud cover and within a half hour of that, light mist.

Has anyone seen similar behavior?

Thumb of 2017-01-28/UrbanWild/f7f9db
Always looking for interesting plants for pollinators and food! Bonus points for highly, and pleasantly scented plants.

"Si hortum in bibliotheca habes, nihil deerit." [“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”] -- Marcus Tullius Cicero in Ad Familiares IX, 4, to Varro. 46 BCE
Last edited by UrbanWild Jan 28, 2017 9:49 AM Icon for preview
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Jan 29, 2017 7:48 AM CST
Name: Dirt
(Zone 5b)
Region: Utah Bee Lover Garden Photography Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Photo Contest Winner: 2015 Photo Contest Winner: 2016
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Well, not exactly...
a few years ago we observed bees collecting coffee grounds and Ann provided some good info here
https://garden.org/thread/view...
likely something of value to the bees from the peanut hearts, but I don't know what Shrug!
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Jan 29, 2017 9:14 AM CST
Name: Christine
North East Texas (Zone 7b)
Shine Your Light!
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Over the years I've observed the honey bees collecting something from my chicken's feed. It's usually later in the spring when I notice but I've noticed them already this year. I recently asked @Mindy03 on the Beekeeping Forum about the chicken feed and some other plants they've been attracted to. She said they are after the protein which they use to build up their broods. Maybe it's the protein with the peanut hearts. https://garden.org/thread/view...

I linked the Beekeeping Forum in case you want to check it out.
May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day --Native American Proverb

Last edited by wildflowers Jan 29, 2017 9:27 AM Icon for preview
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Feb 8, 2017 6:06 PM CST
Name: Nora
Castlegar, B. C. Canada (Zone 5b)
Birds Region: United Kingdom Salvias Roses Organic Gardener Irises
Echinacea Daylilies Cat Lover Region: Canadian Garden Photography Butterflies
This Thread reminded me that I wanted to add this photo to the collection I'd already submitted to the Database, because it focusses on the bees that visit these blooms all summer long. My father was a Beekeeper in the Okanagan Valley, B.C. from 1930 to 1960. He had quite a flower garden, and this was one of his favourites, because there were always fresh blooms for the bees. In all our moves, it always came along. I'm delighted to have this Moroccan Poppy at my new place, now.
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Feb 8, 2017 6:20 PM CST
Name: Nora
Castlegar, B. C. Canada (Zone 5b)
Birds Region: United Kingdom Salvias Roses Organic Gardener Irises
Echinacea Daylilies Cat Lover Region: Canadian Garden Photography Butterflies
Sorry, Mellilong's link to this Honeybees and Peanut hearts, confused me. I meant to enter this into the 'Bee Friends and Other Guests, Chapter 7, 2017' part of the Thread. I don't know how to transfer it, so I will try to post it there.
Can one cross post? Is that what the Quote thing is for? I think I'll try that.
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