No, these are not the new Oregon Hill bees, but a different type that can be found on Belle Island. Miner bees (the correct scientific name for this genus being ‘Andrena’) are one of the largest groups of solitary bees. It is believed to consist of over 1,300 known species of bees across the world.

In general, they seem to prefer to build nests in sandy soil, although some species are apparently less fussy, whilst others are more selective. The Ashy mining bee, Andrena cineraria is thought to prefer sloping sites, whereas the Grey-patched mining bee, Andrena nitida will nest in formal lawns but also sheep-grazed hillsides. They build little tunnels that look sort of like worm casts.

Neighbors are concerned about the increased activity due to Dominion River Rock and other outdoor events that could disturb the Belle Island miner bees, and asked that the City park keepers put some of these signs back up.