POPULAR POLLINATORS.  Things warm up and will have you thinking 17 degrees feels almost springlike in the calm of today’s conditions. We get some good news from down south (no, they’re not sending their weather) on monarch populations and more about the status of important pollinator species in today’s Three Things.

Featured Photo:  Hail to the King.  A monarch rests in a leafy canopy. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Wed 2/20 – Nice. – Hi 17, Lo 9, Wind L&V.
Tomorrow:  Thu 2/21 – Lt. Winds – Hi 13, Lo 1, Wind NW@6.

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
7:39AM       6:15PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
7:49PM        8:33AM       1:38AM       2:06PM

 

Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous (98% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:  7:00-8:00PM.  Catch moonrise to end the day with a superb Edge Hour on the ice.

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS:

 

CDB.  Colony Collapse Disorder continues to be a concern for bee keepers and for anyone tied to wildlife conservation.  The loss of bees due to many causes, including exposure to herbicides and fungicides continues, and the expense ripples out from the honey industry to a variety of other businesses dependent on pollination.

 

FLUTTERBY.  Good news from Journey North, an organization dedicated to tracking the status of the monarch butterfly and its movements back into northern North America after populations winter in Mexico.  The wintering population covers nearly 15 acres (more than any year since 2006) and is 144% larger than last year’s group.

MIX IT UP.  For those considering spring planting of conservation areas, pollinator mixes provide a diverse selection of wildflowers to help sustain bees and butterflies.  In addition, the cover provides good rearing for upland game and other ground birds.

 

Stay Sharp!