And so - turning to insects, there were lots of bumblebees around, in fact, hundreds and hundreds of them swarming over asters primarily, but also on many other plants. It is a bit like the last hurrah, for sturdy as they and able to withstand a certain amount of cool weather, they will eventually all die off by the time winter arrives, leaving only the young queen to survive the winter. Speaking of queens, there are quite a few very large bumblebees (and wasps) around, these are the big mamas!

There were also dozens and dozens of sweat bees (Halictids), the little green metallic ones we've been seeing all summer. Syrphids are still quite common, although fewer species than previously.