Spring is the perfect time to celebrate the tiny creatures that help our gardens and food grow! Can you find these early spring pollinators in your backyard or nearby park? Here are a few pollinators to spot, starting in March:
Spring Pollinator iSpy
March 31, 2026
Queen Bumble Bees
In early spring, large queen bumblebees emerge alone from hibernation to feed on early blooms.
Cellophane Bees
Cellophane bees are among the first pollinators to emerge in early spring, often appearing in mid-March as snow melts.
Mourning Cloak Butterflies
Mourning Cloak butterflies often appear in March or April, sometimes while snow is still on the ground!
Blue Orchard Bees
Blue orchard bees are cavity-nesting bees that emerge in early spring alongside the bloom of fruit trees.
Looking for ways to support our early season buddies?
- Add early blooming flowers to your garden or yard
- Skip using pesticides, if you can
- Leave last year’s fallen leaves and yard waste until nighttime temps are around 50°F for shelter
- Keep the dandelions and clover growing in your yard—don’t mow until later in the spring



