I've noticed a lot of bumblebees this season, more than I remember in
previous years, and people with whom I share this observation agree that
there are many more bumbles in this neck of the woods (upstate New York)
this spring.  I wonder if the decline of feral honeybees has lessened the
competition?  Perhaps the bumblebees are thriving in the mite induced
void?  If this is the case, then might we anticipate a thriving vespid
population later this summer?
 
Have others parts of the country (world? - I don't know the range
for bombus) noticed more bumblebees than 'normal'?
 
Anyone care to speculate?
 
Aaron Morris - thinking I'd rather bumble than WASP!