2nd August 2009

I woke early, following a truly excellent meal at the Strathy Inn, which boasts an impressive selection of bottled ales, including Scottish specialities such as Lia Fail.  I had a quick look at Strathy Bay, which had looked very promising for Great Yellow Bumblebee in spring.  However, sheep had been in and nipped most of the flowerheads off the knapweed, which had provided a colourful carpet last August.  Such a shame on the bee front, but the real environmental vandals were the bright sparks who had decided to burn their tent among the dunes, rather than take it away.  A patch of Marsh Thistle at Baligill produced a couple of Broken-belted Bumblebees, but then the rain began and it was back for breakfast.  A friendly couple from Austria were also staying; their first trip to Scotland.  They were off to hopefully see Puffins at Dunnet Head, but I gambled and headed into the oncoming rain, with a chance that by the time I reached the Sandwood Estate by Kinlochbervie, it would be clear.  The gamble paid off, but the marram was still wet and it was only after about 3 p.m. that the temperature rose and bee activity slowly improved.  By now, I had spent three hours at Oldshoremore without success (though a Moss Carder and several Colletes succinctus were here), which was worrying – this was where I saw a queen Great Yellow at the end of June.  I tried Polin Bay, for a beak, and within 15 minutes I had caught a Great Yellow flying by.  Like Halkirk, this looked like a new queen.  I let her go and with a deep buzz she was away at speed.  Some time later, I was in a sheltered area where bees were active, and noticed a worker Great Yellow on Greater Knapweed.  Relief!  We had seen none here at the end of June.  Buoyed by this, and by the sight of some gorgeous Ringed Plover chicks, I went back to Oldshoremore.  A bee flew by that looked good, I caught it, and yes, a Great Yellow worker.  I heard voices and saw a family heading back to the car park, so showed them the bee (in a tube) and they took some pictures.  The bee was let go in afterwards, of course!

 

So, a long day, but three Great Yellows in nearly six hours – I was happy with that!