Mason Bee Video by Pat Miller

On a warm morning in late April, when nighttime temperatures were forecast to remain consistently above 10oC, I took the little box containing about 50 cleaned mason bee cocoons, stored all winter on the top shelf of my fridge, outside.  I set it in a sunny, sheltered spot and lifted the lid. Within minutes, there was movement among the cocoons as each little bee began to stir and chew its way out of its cocoon.  It was very gratifying to watch as each shiny green bee emerged, took its bearings, and did a little preening before lifting off and flying away into the garden.  This one is a male – you can tell by the white fur on its face!