Culmination from Humble by Mark Ferguson

Sounds recorded just outside a Great Yellow Bumblebee nest, in the machair grasslands of South Uist.

Two miniature microphones were carefully placed outside the nest entrance using a utility grabber; in the minutes that followed, seven or eight males appeared, frantically jostling for a mating opportunity with an emerging queen. This activity continued until the bumblebees took shelter from wind and rain.

Based on extensive checks with leading experts, research institutions and wildlife sound libraries, this was likely the first ever sound recording of Great Yellow mating activity to have been made anywhere in the world, and the first to successfully document mating behaviour from any bumblebee species immediately outside the nest.

Species: Bombus distinguendus

Recorded 17 August 2019 at 11:08. Askernish, South Uist. 15˚C; cloudy, showers and strong winds.

Important Note:

This recording was made possible by the presence of surrounding grass and mixed vegetation, which allowed placement of low-profile microphones close to the nest entrance without disturbance; in any other circumstances, it would not have been attempted. Although bumblebees are typically very docile, approaching a nest too closely may trigger defensive behaviour. Bumblebee nests should always be observed from a respectful distance.

Mark Ferguson is a wildlife sound recordist. His work draws attention to the sonic nuances of animal behaviour and the fascinating audible relationships between humans, wild species and their shared environments. He is currently based in Northern Ireland, where he spends most of his time documenting the habitats and hidden stories of his native Ulster countryside.

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