White Pollen - any ideas ?

[Somerford]

Morning all.

A question for those pollen experts out there :

I spotted a dozen or so bees flying back in to the hive entrance this morning covered in a white dust (pollen) on their backs. Never seen that before but due to the absence of pollen on their legs I can only presume they are getting nectar from some plant locally that also produces this white pollen.

Any ideas ?

 

[taff..]

himalyan Balsam

I didn't think there was any around here untill I opened my eyes, its all over the place

 

[DrNick]

Our bees come back looking like the Hompride flour graders.

 

[ribblesbees]

himalyan Balsam

I didn't think there was any around here untill I opened my eyes, its all over the place

It's a very invasive, non-indigenous plant found along waterways etc.

 

[Somerford]

thank you for letting me know what it is. indeed it looks like they are all working at windy miller's place. I'll have a look along the riverbank a mile away this week to confirm existance. cheers