Flies are pollinators too - as well as many insects - even ants.

I am reminded of that every year, that pollinators come in many flavors. I keep squash under netting for several months to avoid SVBs. I used to think I had to throw it off and hand pollinate, but the ants do the job adequately.

That is interesting. You both are right, I tend to think in terms of bees as the main pollinators, but my understanding of pollination is limited anyway. I mean I am aware that some plants are self pollinating as well, but I'm sure there is more that I don't know about pollinating then that I do know. [g]

Still - I've had these elderberries for about 5 years. They are a good size right now, about 6ft. Usually there is only about a dozen or so blooms on them, they are only in about 5-6hrs of sun. And even with those few blooms, the berries don't all fill out the blossom. This year I must have about 50 blossoms on one shrub and I see the catbirds waiting in the wings, and I just will be sad, if each blossom ends up with about 10 berries on it instead of being full.

I already noticed that my male Holly was just in bloom. All those tiny little flowers. And I usually see a LOT of bumble bees around it and the tiny bees and honeybees, etc. And this year, I stood and watched the shrub for 15mins and count 2 bumble bees and a few other smaller bees and that's it. this year.

I can't help but wonder if my neighbors who are all hiring mosquito spraying and lawn services with fungicides etc, are not having an impact. but I just haven't been able to think of what, if anything I can do about it.