Little Sister in the Garden

Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens)

and "Autumn Joy" Stonecrop (Sedum telephium)

Yesterday morning's "bumble" will probably be one of the last little sisters to visit us this year. Nights are turning cold here, and the happy buzzing congregation of only a few weeks ago is just an echo in the wind.

The wee girl was alone for quite a while gathering late nectar among the pink and copper garden sedums, and she was moving slowly in the chilly morning air. When the day warmed up a little, she was joined by a scant handful of other bumbles, but no longer are there merry throngs cavorting among the steadfast bloomings of autumn.

There is a lesson or three to be learned from the ever cheerful and plucky bumbles. As our days shorten and temperatures plummet, they continue to do their appointed work, to buzz about and gather nectar as long as they can. Knowing all the while that winter is coming and their precious days are numbered, they move from flower to late autumn flower, and oh, how they sing in their last time on the earth. Smaller by far, but like the herons and the loons and the great geese, I shall miss them.