Honey bees can count to four and even understand the concept of zero — an ability once thought unique to humans and some primates. (The Mind of a Bee, Lars Chittka). They also use a “waggle dance” to tell each other where to find food, communicating direction, distance, and quality.

Most commonly spotted in gardens, parks, and farmland from spring through autumn. Look for them buzzing around flowering plants or returning to hives in wooden boxes or tree cavities.

They’re generalists, but favourites include lavender, borage, clover, dandelion, blackberry, and wildflower meadow mixes rich in nectar and pollen.