Our neighbors keep honeybees and every summer the more shallow of my two birdbaths turns into a “beebath.” Bees use honey to cool their hives and dilute food for youngsters. On a hot day, a hive can use over a quart of water.
It’s not unusual to see 3 or 4 bees at my birdbath at a time during the day, but lately it’s been more like a dozen or so. We coexist peacefully, but I have to be very careful where I put my hands when changing the water. And if I don’t hurry they get a little impatient and buzz around my head which might freak out anyone that’s afraid of bees. I’ve stuck my camera in enough flowers over the years that I’m no longer phased by honeybees. For the most part they have a “live-and-let-live” policy.
I usually place flat stones in the bottom of my birdbaths because birds are very cautious about water depth. Bees are too. A bee can easily become waterlogged and drown. I’ve pulled more than a few carcasses from my birdbaths over the years.
This spring at a garden center I purchased a bag of clay rocks called “Bird Bath Fillers.” They are nonporous and easy to clean and I knew they’d be perfect for my thirsty bees. So far they’re a big hit.
