Early to mid-March brings the emergence of orchard mason bees (Osmia lignaria) and other native spring bees throughout the Pacific Northwest. These solitary, non-aggressive bees are among the first pollinators to become active, emerging when temperatures consistently reach 55-60°F. Mason bees are incredibly efficient pollinators, with a single female capable of pollinating as many flowers as 100 honeybees. Watch for these metallic blue-black bees visiting early-blooming flowers like red flowering currant, Indian plum, fruit tree blossoms, and willows. Unlike honeybees, mason bees nest in pre-existing holes in wood, hollow stems, and specially-designed bee houses, making them excellent candidates for backyard pollinator conservation. Their emergence signals the true awakening of spring pollinator activity across the region.