This morning the orchard was alive with hundreds of Bumble Bees and dozens of Hummingbird Clearwings (Hemaris thysbe). You may know them.They look like a really cool cross between Hummingbirds and Honey Bees. So much activity! They were feasting on the Monarda, the Golden Rod and the Queen Ann’s Lace. As I moved through the orchard, I was traveling through an ocean of flowers and bugs.

Unfortunately it is now prime feasting season for the porcupines. They love the bitter sweet apples and sweet-apple trees. One made a mess of the Fuel Service tree. They go after the branches as well as the fruit. In fact, they might like to eat branches even more than apples.

Plum season is upon us. We picked several crates of Tecumseh plums today. Better go check your plums. They may be ready.