Often one of the earliest bumblebees to emerge, I thought I wouldn’t notice any Tree bumblebees this year. Colonies of this bee are mostly active from March to July so by now my chances had reduced.
The first record of these bees in this country was in Wiltshire, in 2001. Now they are seen in Scotland (by 2013) and Northern Ireland (in 2017) having become one of the most common eight in the UK (see PDF from the BBCT below); especially making use of bird boxes for their nests.
Early in the year, they forage for nectar and pollen at plants such as Winter heathers (Erica carnea), Pussy willow (Salix caprea), Apple (Malus), Cotoneaster, Ceanothus and Chives. While later on, in early summer, they will favour the flowers of Lime trees, Fuchsias Raspberries and Blackberries.
Bee in the Moment 