February pollen in Massachsetts - !

[tjc1]

In the 60's the last two days and the girls have been busy. First day seemed mostly orienting but the last two they have been coming back with pollen! (I know it's pollen from tasting samples found on the bottom board). I can't see anything blooming yet (crocuses and snow drops are usually first to appear), but I'm told that witch hazel is blooming... I tasted a dark orange (crocus?) and an olive green (?). Pretty surprising!

[splitrock]

The Maple in my front yard was alive with bees gathering pollen Tuesday and Wednesday. Prior to that during the warm spell, they were working my birdfeeder.

Now winter is back, and we have 7 inches of new snow.

[Jim134]

Does Plymouth Massachusetts have a lot of Swampy areas? Especially around Brooks and rivers. Look up Eastern skunk cabbage. I know in central Massachusetts. Skunk cabbage is out around the 3rd or 4th week in February. It would all not surprise me if you have pussywillows out. Especially in Plymouth Massachusetts. Another one maybe witch hazel. At may be a little early for red maple ? I know at is in Northern central Massachusetts


          https://g.co/kgs/sWkKCo           

                 BEE HAPPY Jim 134 

[tjc1]

You are right, Jim! I live on Town Brook and upstream along a swampy stretch I did indeed find the skunk cabbage already up, and the bees in it - that's the light yellow pollen. Snow drops came up overnight but no bees on it. I looked for witch hazel and saw none, nor any crocus. Too early for the red maple and pussywillow.

[Rurification]

My bees were bringing in pollen last week and I was stymied - but we live near swamps, too... and heavily wooded areas so I suspect there are some skunk cabbage and witch hazel around.    The early maples are fully budded out.  Pussywillows not out yet.  Snowdrops came up 3 days ago, and the next day I found squill and crocuses.  Wild and crazy this year. 

But I'm not complaining.

[GSF]

I recently learned that skunk cabbage will generate heat. They say that's why you won't hardly see snow on it.

[Jim134]

Here is a skunk cabbage. That is coming through the snow. In Northern Central Massachusetts about 7 to 10 days ago this picture was taken. As you can see. The heat generated by the flower melts the snow
https://goo.gl/photos/8J4svK4G6wJuYTyj6


           BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[Jim134]

Something else you may like to watch.
https://youtu.be/gClwLx9XVOY

           BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[Rurification]

Jim - Great link and pic.  Thanks for posting!

[tjc1]

Cool stuff - thanks Jim!