16 Swallows!

jeremy_c · June 15, 2009, 12:42:05 PM

I went out to my apiary this morning and there were 16 swallows! I've seen them out there many times, but not in these numbers.

Is this a reason for concern? i.e. Are they having my bees for breakfast, lunch and dinner!?

Jeremy

lmehaffey · June 15, 2009, 12:44:36 PM

I hope not! I have seen swallows around my place, as well!!

dragonfly · June 15, 2009, 01:26:18 PM

I've had a flock of cliff swallows living here every breeding season for about the past 5 years (at least). They nest under the bridge that borders my property on the highway. By the time breeding season is over, their numbers are usually 60-100 strong. So far, I haven't seen them significantly impact my bee numbers. That being said, I don't use pesticides here, so there are also lots of butterflies, and bugs/insects of all varieties, so that helps.

Kathyp · June 15, 2009, 02:43:23 PM

they feed over my hives morning and night. there is nothing i can do about it. i did put stuff up to keep the bluejays off, but the swallows......

Rebel Rose Apiary · June 15, 2009, 04:38:15 PM

I have enough problems with the bluejays!
What other birds eat bees??? Bee catchers and bluejays was all that I knew would eat a bee.

Brenda

dragonfly · June 15, 2009, 06:53:16 PM

Brenda, the birds that eat insects in this area are generally everything in the swallow family, the Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebirds, and Scissor-tail Flycatchers. I don't know for certain which ones eat bees, but we have a wildflower field beside the house where there are lots of bees, butterflies, beetles of different varieties, ladybugs, and grasshoppers (and many more I'm sure).

Shawn · June 15, 2009, 08:44:45 PM

I know I have flycatchers and sparows here eating my bees. Well I guess just the sparrows beause the flycatcher "disappeared."

dragonfly · June 15, 2009, 10:05:32 PM

Quote from: Shawn on June 15, 2009, 08:44:45 PM
I know I have flycatchers and sparows here eating my bees. Well I guess just the sparrows beause the flycatcher "disappeared."

If they are European House Sparrows, you can legally shoot them, but I advise making sure that is indeed what they are.

1of6 · June 16, 2009, 02:10:40 PM

I'd imagine this doesn't help with queens out trying to make mating flights...that's gotta be killing your sucessful queen mating results...

dragonfly · June 16, 2009, 03:32:51 PM

Quote from: 1of6 on June 16, 2009, 02:10:40 PM
I'd imagine this doesn't help with queens out trying to make mating flights...that's gotta be killing your sucessful queen mating results...

Hmmm. Maybe that's the reason bees make multiple queen cells. It's a definite maybe. ;)

rickomatic · June 16, 2009, 05:09:13 PM

My son in law was over last week and saw my hives for the first time. While we were talking he stopped me in mid sentence and blurted out..........."DUDE!! that robin just ate one of your bees!!"

So...add robins to the bee eater list. :-P

John Schwartz · June 16, 2009, 05:11:38 PM

Quote from: rickomatic on June 16, 2009, 05:09:13 PM
My son in law was over last week and saw my hives for the first time. While we were talking he stopped me in mid sentence and blurted out..........."DUDE!! that robin just ate one of your bees!!"

So...add robins to the bee eater list. :-P

As well as Finches :)

dragonfly · June 16, 2009, 10:41:58 PM

Quote from: lotsobees on June 16, 2009, 05:11:38 PM
So...add robins to the bee eater list. :-P

As well as Finches :)
[/quote]

Are you sure? Finches are usually seed eaters. :shock:

John Schwartz · June 16, 2009, 10:49:30 PM

Quote from: dragonfly on June 16, 2009, 10:41:58 PM
Are you sure? Finches are usually seed eaters. :shock:

Lol -- I meant sparrows!

dragonfly · June 17, 2009, 12:00:31 PM

Quote from: lotsobees on June 16, 2009, 10:49:30 PM
Quote from: dragonfly on June 16, 2009, 10:41:58 PM
Are you sure? Finches are usually seed eaters. :shock:

Lol -- I meant sparrows!

Whew! I was wondering if my finches were maladaptive. :-D