Bumble bees in my Beech Tree

[Palinurus]

I have a very large weeping beech tree in my garden; rare and covered by a TPO. Today I could here a low level buzzing noise coming from it and thought maybe a swarm had settled there. On looking around however, it is coming from scores of bumble bees that are moving from leaf to leaf, at up to about 20 feet. Does anyone know what they are doing?

Thanks

[Matt Smith]

Probably collecting honeydew.

[Palinurus]

Thanks Matt

I think that is it - I just had a closer look at the leaves and there are many white aphids and honeydew deposits. I have been planting my garden to attract bumble bees for years but I have never seen so many before.

Paul