Race to Spot First Bumble Bee Kicks Off New Year’s Day 2026!
UPDATE: The excitement is building as the Bohart Museum of Entomology launches the sixth annual Robbin Thorp Memorial First-Bumble Bee-of-the-Year Contest at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026. This thrilling race challenges residents of Solano and Yolo counties to be the first to capture a photograph or video of a bumble bee in their area.
This unique contest not only honors the legacy of the late Robbin Thorp, a renowned bumble bee expert, but also promotes awareness of native pollinators. Participants must submit their verified entries to the Bohart Museum at [email protected], including the date, time, and location of their sighting. The first verified entry will earn the photographer a commemorative coffee cup featuring Franklin’s bumble bee, an endangered species extensively studied by Thorp.
Thorp, who passed away in June 2019, dedicated his life to understanding bumble bees and their ecological importance. His passion for observing the first bumble bee of the year has inspired this contest, which began in 2021. The black-tailed bumble bee, known scientifically as Bombus melanopygus, is often the first species to emerge in the region, foraging on early-blooming plants like manzanita and lupine.
The contest has garnered widespread participation, attracting both seasoned scientists and enthusiastic naturalists. Last year, a tie emerged between Michael Kwong of Sacramento and Kaylen Teves of Vallejo, who captured a yellow-faced bumble bee on January 11, 2025. Their discovery took place while they were volunteering for Monarch Watch, highlighting the contest’s ability to connect individuals through shared interests in nature.
In 2024, Nancy Hansen set a remarkable record by spotting a black-tailed bumble bee in her Fairfield yard at 10:57 a.m. on January 1. The previous year, Ria deGrassi won with her sighting of a bumble bee on January 8. The contest’s inaugural year saw a tie between Maureen Page and Ellen Zagory, both capturing images of bumble bees in the UC Davis Arboretum.
As the clock ticks down to the New Year, community members are encouraged to participate in this exciting event. The contest not only contributes to scientific research but also fosters a greater appreciation for biodiversity and the critical role of pollinators in our ecosystems.
The Bohart Museum urges all nature enthusiasts to keep their cameras ready and their eyes peeled for the first signs of spring. With the stakes high and the prize waiting, who will be the first to spot the bumble bee in 2026? Stay tuned for the latest updates and join in the excitement as we celebrate the beauty of nature and honor a true champion of entomology.
