While in the field with plant surveyors from the Monarch Joint Venture, the team reported seeing more rusty-patched bumble bees than monarch butterflies! Tom Rhorer photographed them (above). The location was at the Mathy quarry in the La Crosse Blufflands. The bumblebees were enjoying a patch of bee balm.
Bumble Bee Brigade is a good resource. If you photograph rust-patched bumblebees, please send your photos submitted there, preferably in 48 hours.