Anyone have a lot of Clover growing in your yard this year? Several decades ago, when you saw clover blooming in the yard, you better put on shoes before walking in the clover. Otherwise you could easily be stung when you stepped on honey bees. This year seems to be an abundance of Clover growth, more so, than previous years. Mowing grass I notice the insects on the clover. Noticed more bees similar to a smaller version of the carpenter bee as the most prevalent of bees. Of this type of black bee, for every 25 I saw, I only noticed 1 honey bee. I was happy to see the honey bee, I knew they all have not been wiped out.
Again several decades ago, when clover bloomed, normally you would see 25-35 honey bees to 1 of the smaller black bee or carpenter bee & its cousins. So I must say, with the same time period, GMO seed stock was not available 30-40 years ago, just hybridized seed stocks were used. As the article states, in past we could not determine an exact cause for the death of honey bees. But it is looking more likely to be the pesticides. (As prescribed to be in use with the GMO seed stock. Which is my personal Opinion)
Not understanding the behavior of Honey Bees & Carpenter Bees & Cousins as thoroughly as I should. Why honey bees died and carpenter bees thrived. Both bee types live in same farming areas & are attracted to similar flowers. Any one with more knowledge than I, who may be a bee keeper or managing a farming operation, may can share some of your personal insight why this is possible.