Joe Mc Cool wrote: > bees foraging here in the North of Ireland are returning with lots of > white powdery stuff on their backs. Is this pollen ? Probably Water Balsam: http://www.t-c-m-rd.co.uk/invasive-weeds/himalayan-balsam/ It leaves a long greyish-white stripe down their back. Best wishes Peter Edwards [log in to unmask] www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/ ****************************************************** * Full guidelines for BEE-L posting are at: * * http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm * ******************************************************