Spring and buzzing bees.

A busy day in the bee yard !

Winter 2013-14 go away !

Argh, more winter weather.  Maybe it is just my imagination but it has been uncharacteristically cold and damp this winter.  I have lost one colony and maybe 2 more but it has been too
cold to check.  Now we are having another winter storm.  I hope the marginal size colonies are okay.  I have heard from several local beeks who have lost all their hives this winter. So sad.

Goat Guards

Goats are guarding the bee yard !  Not really, they are hoping for a handout !

Evening in the Bee Yard

Goodnight Bees,  Goodnight Moon.

Drones in Fall ?

Bee Colonies have a reason for the things they do.  My role as beekeeper is to try to figure out when something is wrong that may threaten the viability of the colony. Drones (male bees) are kicked out of the hive in fall.  When I see one hive that is keeping drones when the others have evicted their males, I worry that this might be a sign of trouble even though things look ok.  It's a puzzle !  The bee in front is a worker..the bigger eyed drone is just behind.

Bringing in the last of fall pollen

We have had some frost and a light freeze. On this warm November day the bees are making those last flights and I see some dandelion pollen coming in...(see the bees with the little orange balls on their legs !)

Becoming a beekeeper ? Is it for you ?

Have you always wanted to try beekeeping ?  Maybe this is your time !  Winter is a good time to read up and get prepared for new bees in the Spring.  Most bee orders are actually placed in January for spring delivery.  In our area, local beekeeping associations hold classes in January/Febr
uary.  These classes are taught by experienced volunteers who donate their time free of charge so the cost for the student is low and the money raised goes to promote the local club.  Get started in beekeeping this year..who knows where it may lead ?









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Fall in the Bee Yard

As we go into late October, winter is bearing down on us from the bees perspective.  We had heavy frost this week and will experience a hard freeze this weekend.  That should put an end to the nectar plants.  At the point, I have done all I can to prepare my colonies.  Time will tell how they fair as the winter goes forward.  Starvation is a big risk for local beekeepers.  Our mild winters often result in the colony staying somewhat active and consuming large quantities of food.  I will check them periodically on warm winter days.  Good Luck Bees.