And finally, yet another insect that I always delight in seeing, the little leafcutter bee, Megachile frigida. Notice how she is carrying the pollen on her stomach rather than as is most typical with other bees, on her legs? You will sometimes see these bees with white abdomens, which means that at that moment they are pollen-less!

I hope that you are noting all the shots lately featuring asters? These plants are a really important source of food for so many insects. At the moment they are about the last resource available for pollen and nectar. There are a few goldenrods still blooming, and assorted other flowers, but if you really want to see action, go to a stand of asters and watch. Later on, the seeds will feed many birds, particularly sparrows and finches.