I am no bumble bee expert. In fact I am no expert at all. If I had to pick a specialist subject it would possibly be cheese scones (consumption of), but even then I wouldn’t bet on me to pick up the trophy. When I examined this photo closely, a bumble resting on the handle of Max’s conservatory door, I was concerned to see some mites clustered around the front of her body. There has been much publicity about Varroa mites who have spread disease and devastation amongst the honey bee population. It seemed likely that a positive story about the first bumble of the year was just about to turn into a tale of horror and pestilence. A quick Google later and my mind was put at ease. Most of the mites found on bumbles are harmless, in fact they are just hitchhiking to the bee’s nest where they feed on such delicacies as general detritus and even smaller insects. A cosy symbiotic relationship. Apparently this arrangement only becomes a problem when there are so many passengers the plane can’t take off. Hopefully that doesn’t happen too often.
All things considered, it was happy ending after all. Another school day.
Off The Edge Gardening 
It says a lot about you that you took time to Google (is that a verb?) about your bee mite worries. It’s nice when someone cares. And even nicer when you know someone who cares. And someone who takes wonderful photos. (You may take that as a multi-compliment without acknowledgement.) Hope your English cold is getting betterer now.
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If google is not a verb, it is bound to be very soon. Thanks and yes it is thanks. Will on top form by next weekend (hope that hasn’t jinxed it). 🙂
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What I learn by reading other people’s blogs is amazing. I didn’t know about these passengers. In fact we don’t have bumblebees in Australia as far as I know, although it’s quite a big place and there could be some hidden away somewhere. I remember them from when I was a child in NZ though and loved to see them lumbering contentedly amongst the flowers.
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They are always a joy to see, and your description is just perfect. A good memory!
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I googled (and yes, I think it’s already a verb) and discovered there are bumblebees in Tasmania,they’re considered to be feral, and efforts are made to stop them reaching the mainland.
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More and more, I love this school!
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I hope that lovely bee has somewhere warm to sit out this coming weekend.
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And me, lots of cosy walls and uncleared vegetation nearby.
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So pleased, have seen a couple of bees in my own garden recently and now we are properly snowed in again. Hope you are safe and well. x
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All in all, you’ve got to love Google (and bees).
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Oh, that IS a happy ending.
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