Conjure up images of bees, and I will bet a sting is not the first thing that enters your mind. Instead, thoughts might resonate with the slightest buzz, directing us to the fuzzy insects saturated in pollen. They have one thing on their mind.

Flowers.

Can you blame them?

Yes…Spring has arrived in the desert, but you already knew that. And I won’t tell you the bees awaken with the signs of spring, because in the desert, they are active all year long. They do what they need to do while we get to listen to their hum. Like us, they enjoy different plants during different times of the year.

The flower doesn’t dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.

Of the 5000 species of bees in the US, around 1300 live in Arizona. In the Sonoran Desert, biologists estimate there to be 600-700 native species of bees, a place I also call home. The native bees? Specialists at pollinating our native flora, like the desert thistle below.

Big dreams often have small beginnings.

Today was new…for me. We stumbled across a swarm above the sidewalk. Impressed, fascinated, and yes, concerned for others who might not see it. But the bees won’t attack unless agitated or provoked. On these days, their role is far more important than blooms. They are protecting their queen and searching for a new place to hive.

As soon as I saw you, I new a grand adventure was about to happen. – Winnie the Pooh

Wind Kisses, Donna

Inspiration: CFFC:Found in Nature, Sunday Stills: Awaken, WQ Awakening/Renewal