Excellent web sites for further info:
The Xerces Society Pollinator Resource Conservation Center
www.xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center/
Entomo-Logic www.entomologic.com
UCA Berkeley http://nature.berkeley.edu/urbanbeegardens/general_guidelines.html
Pollinator Paradise www.pollinatorparadise.com
USDA/ARS/Logan Bee Lab www.ars.usda.gov
National Sustainable Agriculture Info www.attra.org/attra-pub/nativebee.html
North American Pollinator Protection Campaign http://www.nappc.org/
The Birds and the Bees?
Bluebirds and 30% of native bee species are both cavity nesters, but are unable to create the holes they nest in. Bluebird Trails have helped bluebird populations rebound, so let's help our native bees in the same way!
Wondering if those are bees or flies on your flowers?
Sometimes it's hard to tell whether the insects you're seeing on your blooms are bees, wasps or flies. One quick way to tell the difference is that bees and wasps at rest fold their wings close to their bodies, while flies hold theirs in a V-shape, like a stealth bomber. Also, bees and wasps have two sets of wings (flies have one); and bees and wasps have antennae (flies - nope.)
Who knew?
Bees have tongues of various lengths that help determine which flowers they can obtain nectar and pollen from.