Starting my day-with bees.

[derrick1p1]

Just about every morning, before I leave for work, I walk over to the bees and watch them for a minute or so.  Lots of activity this morning.  All hives were very active. 

As I got in the car I looked to empty lot on my right.  Clover and various other blooms all over and the bees were going nuts.  Sun rising in the background highlighted the bees so that I could see them flying, landing and foraging all over the place.  They sure can make it hard to leave for work sometimes.  Would have loved to just sit there and stare at them for a while as I rarely see my bees foraging anywhere near my yard/garden.

Derrick

[poka-bee]

Can't think of a nicer way to start the day! Don't you love the serene feeling you get watching them come & go, sort of like your world will be ok as long as they are doing as they have for eons!  OOhh, looking out my window just now I saw a cedar waxwing!  They are pretty shy, you can hear them in the trees but seldom see them! Now my day is complete! Thanks!  Jody

[EasternShore]

Your post inspires me to share last nights observations;

Every evening before sunset I watch my girls, first trip..a few coming and going, next time..a few hundred flying in circles near the front.
If I'm right, I think this is my first batch of brood doing their oreintation flight. I sat there with the biggest grin on my face. They would circle close, then higher, then zoom!!! Gone in different directions.

OK EXPERTS: Any confirmations of this behaviour?

Oh..This is my first hive..in case you have'nt seen the "ROOKIE" on my forehead.   :-D
I really look forward to hearing you all share idea's and tales..please DON'T STOP!
Mark

[poka-bee]

Mark, don't feel alone being a rookie...I think I've moved up to "ookie" now!  :roll: Yes, I think you are seeing the orientation flights, isn't it wonderful?  You feel almost as proud as if your kids did something!  You are a grandpa now! Welcome to the wonderful world of bees!  I'm all gaga over my 1st full frame of honey!! It's way heavier than imagined! :-D  Jody

[tlynn]

We keep a little foot stool next to our bees and find ourselves sitting there for long times watching their behavior.  It's a real kick to sit there while they're doing afternoon orientation flights.  We have had feet (well almost) of rain over the last couple weeks and it finally dried out about 3 days ago and talk about orientation flights!  It probably wouldn't be the right time to show the neighbors the bees!  It's like they are making up for all that hive time during the rains.  We moved the dining room table closer to the windows so we can sit and eat and watch the bees.  Beats TV any day of the week...

[derrick1p1]

I'm not sure if I'm seeing orientation flights, or if all of them foragers are coming home at the same time.  But in the evening, about the same time (gets later as the summer days extend, then earlier as fall approaches), there seem to hundreds of bees at the entrance all at one time.  This happens every evening and to all the hives.  I think they are all coming home as the sun goes down.  So cool to watch.

[beekybuzzard]

Sounds like a good way to start a day. I can't myself, I start my day at 2:30-3 am, not much activity at the hives then. I do enjoy watching the activity in the evenings between feeding them, the dogs, hogs, chickens, and myself though.

[KONASDAD]

I planted anise hyssop and russian sage near where i aprk my car along driveway, so I can see the bees coming and going everyday. Good way to start day! love orinetation flights, as well as festooning, washboarding too! Dont forget waggle dances, feeding each other etc.