They're hitting the marigolds and daisies in NE PA. The orange is probably from the marigolds.

 

Hmm. I didn't think we had marigolds this time of year....

 

Have you had your first frost yet? If no, then somewhere there are marigolds. I have a ton of them around. See bumble bees, honey bees, mason bees, etc on them all day long.

 

I had thought that everything was over here too, but a few pockets (less than 5% of maximum bloom) remain in widespread sheltered areas and the bees have apparently been working them. They've begun to pay attention to flowerbeds with zinnia and marigold, so there must not be enough out there to keep all of the foragers busy and the hive at maximum input. I've noticed a lot of propolis coming in, and at first thought it was pollen. It is a very bright yellow/orange and the amount they are brining in seems like less per bee than pollen in volume (smaller basketloads), but is probably the same weight. Major tree types in my area are maple, ash, black walnut and black cherry.

 

Asters and chrysanthemums are still in bloom here; both may be a source of orange pollen.

 

We had 2 or 3 early light frosts last month, but not since then, so maybe.

Hope no one is using pesticides in their gardens then...

 

Pesticides? In October?

 

Yeah, well, I'm not sure how people manage their fall flowers.

 

I echo Guyot asters are still around and my chrysanthemums are just popping now. The marigolds are still here and why would anyone use pesticide on a plant that thwarts pests?

 

Hey. I'm not a florist.

 

Possibly hardy Mums; everyone here has them!

 

So can we say
Mums the word!!