I returned home the other day to discover a bee walking across the bathroom floor looking like it was lost, fed up and searching for its hive, and, I imagine, cursing mankind for putting all these obstacles in the way of his natural route across the countryside. Some weeks ago I read a post on Facebook saying that if you find a tired bee then you should make some sugar water and feed the bee from a teaspoon. As I am a bee fan I picked up Mr.Bee on some paper placed him on the windowsill full of doubt as to whether the plan was going to work.
I disappeared off to the kitchen and mixed up a little water and sugar, not too cold figuring room temperature would be good, and offered him a teaspoon with sugar water in it. It was a little difficult to judge where his proboscis was going to appear from, and in fact Mr.Bee did not want to drink from my teaspoon. Not surprising really as it is quite an unnatural drinking vessel for a bee, I imagine. So I carefully poured a drop of sugar water onto the paper in front of him, making sure the meniscus was intact, and hoped he would drink. Lo and behold Mr.Bee did exactly that, and drank for so long there was enough time for Emily to find her camera and take some photos, which I was not sure would show it clearly, but in fact they have. And then he was off at speed to find his way home. They really are very clever animals.
I have fed many different types of animals since I married Gavin ranging from geese to wild pigs and ostriches but this is my very first bee. I am very proud of our contribution to the survival of Mr Bee and shall enjoy some honey on my bread this evening courtesy of our little compatriots.
Have an excellent week
See you all soon
Helen