Bees in the Trees

FatherMichael · January 07, 2020, 08:38:31 PM

Nearly every time I go to the new apiary site a bee visits. One once landed on my shoulder! I took it as a positive sign.

Was there today doing some work and a bee came to investigate.

They have been light colored, like Italians. They look healthy.

Along with my two new hives I'll put out a swarm trap because I am sure there is a colony in one of the big trees close by.

Thinking I might end up with four hives by the end of the year.

That would be so cool.

Bob Wilson · January 08, 2020, 08:11:03 AM

Fathermichael, I live in a subdivision on the outskirts of town, but my house is a fishbowl. Homes in front, side, and behind. I really meant to keep only ONE hive, but I just can't help working towards catching another swarm this spring. It is fascinating. My bees also look more.like Italians, but they have some darker ones mixed in with them. One of the guys here, maybe Jim, said that was good genetics from a mix of drone contribution in the wild. I was inspecting my bait traps this past weekend, and am looking around for good spots to place them. If I had 2 or 3 colonies at the end of this year, it would be cool indeed.

Bob Wilson · January 08, 2020, 08:13:12 AM

By the way... I wonder if the longtimers get ho-hum about their bees, and lose the new beek seasonal excitement we feel.

FatherMichael · January 08, 2020, 09:45:46 AM

Quote from: bobll on January 08, 2020, 08:13:12 AM
By the way... I wonder if the longtimers get ho-hum about their bees, and lose the new beek seasonal excitement we feel.

I feel like a kid at Christmas!

Seeb · January 08, 2020, 11:00:06 AM

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The15thMember · January 08, 2020, 11:56:51 AM

Quote from: Seeb on January 08, 2020, 11:00:06 AM
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*Clap-clap-clap* Beautiful.

FatherMichael · January 08, 2020, 12:04:06 PM

Quote from: Seeb on January 08, 2020, 11:00:06 AM
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Amen.

CoolBees · January 08, 2020, 03:16:27 PM

That's is beautiful Seeb.

Bob Wilson · January 08, 2020, 05:11:32 PM

Outstanding Seeb! I don't understand why everyone isn't a beekeeper.

Seeb · January 08, 2020, 05:49:11 PM

so glad you enjoyed.

FatherMichael · January 08, 2020, 07:20:41 PM

Quote from: Seeb on January 08, 2020, 05:49:11 PM
so glad you enjoyed.

You live in my ancestors' old home places -- such beautiful country.

Love the poem, Seeb. Thank you.

Troutdog · January 09, 2020, 06:12:01 PM

Quote from: bobll on January 08, 2020, 08:13:12 AM
By the way... I wonder if the longtimers get ho-hum about their bees, and lose the new beek seasonal excitement we feel.

Hell no
I always grab the first swarm I see. after that its only the low bush ones for me. It's like a game you can't help ya self.

FatherMichael · January 09, 2020, 08:50:52 PM

Fixed up two swarm traps today and will put together another later, since a friend of mine, knife maker Thomas Bullard, said he has a bee tree on his farm.

Check it: bees in my neighborhood that might swarm, including my one established hive ...

One on Thomas' place ...

And bees in the trees at the new place.