If you see this bee, try to take a photo and report sightings to Bumble Bee Watch at bumblebeewatch.org!

CITIZEN SCIENCE: POLLINATOR MONITORING

Pollinator monitoring helps us track the abundance and diversity of pollinator species in our neighbourhood wild spaces.

Materials:

• Pollinator Monitoring Tracker
• Magnifying glass
• Pencil
• Outdoor area with flowering plants
• Watch or timer
• String

Directions:

1. Designate a 1m x 1m observation area (i.e. a patch of plants), using your string. Record the date, time, and location on your pollinator monitoring tracker.
2. Set a timer for 5 minutes and start your observation! Every time a pollinator lands on a flower in your observation area, record it as a visit in the appropriate insect category.
3. Record any interesting observations in the “notes” section.
4. If you have a smart phone or computer, you can upload your observations using the Insight Citizen Science app, and share your observations with citizen scientists all over the world!
   This helps the global community track and care for pollinator populations, which is especially important for at-risk populations such as the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee.

Go to PAGE 6 to read about the Ruby Throated Hummingbird and some nature journaling ideas!