Well, here Max xx has captured an intriguing series of shots of a wild colony holed up in the exterior of a window casing.
This is what the bees do when they don't have "assistance" from human beings.
Of course, the thing had t be removed in order to further progress on the remodel.
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, Monday.
The weekend, as usual, was busy but we did manage to actually accomplish a few things.
On Friday, I discovered that one of the hives that came through the winter had lots of bees in it, but NO brood. Not good.
Although I did spot a few eggs there, they were such a smattering that I began wondering if the queen had died.
She was there, though, and once I found her I watched for awhile to see what the heck she was up to. A whole lot of nothing.
Fortunately, Jim, out at the Beez Neez, had some queens on hand. Carrie stopped by there on the way home from work and snagged one...I thought.
Low and behold, when she arrived home, there were TWO queen cages in the little bag. Obviously, I had not communicated effectively. But not to worry.
Since I had so many bees in this particular hive, I split the hive and installed a new queen in each half. I did, of course, find and "deal with" the old queen before placing the new queen cage inside.
Such a pity. That queen was actually my best producer last year. Hated to see her go, but when you're done, you're done!
Today started out a bit on the wet side, but now the sun's out and we're hoping for dryness and warmth!
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
On Friday, I discovered that one of the hives that came through the winter had lots of bees in it, but NO brood. Not good.
Although I did spot a few eggs there, they were such a smattering that I began wondering if the queen had died.
She was there, though, and once I found her I watched for awhile to see what the heck she was up to. A whole lot of nothing.
Fortunately, Jim, out at the Beez Neez, had some queens on hand. Carrie stopped by there on the way home from work and snagged one...I thought.
Low and behold, when she arrived home, there were TWO queen cages in the little bag. Obviously, I had not communicated effectively. But not to worry.
Since I had so many bees in this particular hive, I split the hive and installed a new queen in each half. I did, of course, find and "deal with" the old queen before placing the new queen cage inside.
Such a pity. That queen was actually my best producer last year. Hated to see her go, but when you're done, you're done!
Today started out a bit on the wet side, but now the sun's out and we're hoping for dryness and warmth!
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
More...
Max xx has certainly captured the process for us.
These are truly great shots!
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
These are truly great shots!
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
To Bee or Not To Bee...
This one looks like she's seriously considering just popping the lid back on and going back to bed.
But, of course, the sisterhood wouldn't stand for that.
C'mon! Let's get crackin'!
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
But, of course, the sisterhood wouldn't stand for that.
C'mon! Let's get crackin'!
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
It's a Bee!
Once the new bee is fully developed in the capped cell, she chews her way out into the world.
Now, since the worker bees lifespan is only five to six weeks from the day she emerges from this cell, she gets busy right away.
When you figure that a vibrant queen bee lays 1500 eggs in a day, you can see how the population in the hive increases rapidly as spring sets in.
At peak summer season, each hive will be home to anywhere from 50 to 80 thousand bees.
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
Now, since the worker bees lifespan is only five to six weeks from the day she emerges from this cell, she gets busy right away.
When you figure that a vibrant queen bee lays 1500 eggs in a day, you can see how the population in the hive increases rapidly as spring sets in.
At peak summer season, each hive will be home to anywhere from 50 to 80 thousand bees.
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
They're Called "Brood"
Here's a terrific shot of the later stage larvae along with what we call "capped brood."
So first, it's the egg. Then the "uncapped brood" as you can see here. Finally, the bees cap off the cells with a wax covering and the new bee develops through the pupae stage and into the fully developed BEE!
Good stuff here!
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
So first, it's the egg. Then the "uncapped brood" as you can see here. Finally, the bees cap off the cells with a wax covering and the new bee develops through the pupae stage and into the fully developed BEE!
Good stuff here!
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
Friday, April 25, 2008
From Egg to Larva...
You can see here after the three days in the egg stage, the developing larva lays down in the bottom of the cell in the fetal position and like any other baby...GROWS!
When inspecting your hives, you always want to see lots of cells in this phase of development as well.
Soon these little gals will be capped over with beeswax for the final transition into an actual bee.
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
When inspecting your hives, you always want to see lots of cells in this phase of development as well.
Soon these little gals will be capped over with beeswax for the final transition into an actual bee.
Signing off,
Bees Keeper
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