Bee research in western Newfoundland needs volunteers

A biologist at Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook is looking for volunteers in western Newfoundland who are willing to get up close and personal withbees this summer.

It's part of a research project about where bees livein the province.

Julie Sircomgot the idea last summer, when someone asked why shewas photographingbumblebees on the university campus.

"She said, 'oh really,bumblebees?Idon't see those anymore out in Curling.' And Ithought, oh, that's interesting, Iwonder if that'strue?" Sircom told CBC Radio's Corner Brook Morning Show.

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That spurred Sircom to launch a summer project, where volunteers will document bee sightings in their yards and submit that information to her team. They will collect datathrough July, August and possiblypart of September.

Two ways to take part

"The most helpful thingthat's going to get the most informationis if people will volunteer to host some insect traps in their backyard," said Sircom.

"These are basically plastic beer cups, with a bit of water and dish soap. The bees are attracted to it, and they fall in and drown."

Volunteers put out the traps for 24 hours, collect the bees and then hand them over to Sircom for identification.

If that's too much, Sircom said there's another wayto take part: just take a picture of a bee, when you see it.

"It's really easy. They're very busy doing what they're doing, so you can practically touch them with the camera," she said, adding the camera quality doesn't matter, and smartphone snaps are fine.

Sircom said the photo and a little bit of information about where it was taken should be enough forherto narrow down the species.

Anyone looking to take part can email her atjsircom@grenfell.mun.ca or call 709-639-6515.