Here it is March again and we have had the bees almost one whole year. We've kept them happy and hopefully healthy so that this year in June we can reap the benefits. We are waiting a couple more weeks before we open up the hives to check to see if they have survived the winter without problems with verroa mites or beetles. Those dang little hive beetles
are a tough tumble for the bees because of their hard outer shells. I have watched the bees run after the beetles and roll them over trying to get them out of the hive. We can squash them with the hive tool but my fear is that they will grow in numbers, infesting the honey. We will know soon just how they have survived.
are a tough tumble for the bees because of their hard outer shells. I have watched the bees run after the beetles and roll them over trying to get them out of the hive. We can squash them with the hive tool but my fear is that they will grow in numbers, infesting the honey. We will know soon just how they have survived. The little foragers are returning to the hive with an abundance of pollen attached to their hind legs. If you have never witnessed this, it's amazing how much they can carry. I have not gotten any good pictures of our bees loaded down but here's one that is from www.beepollen4u.com/photobee.htm 
. Notice the orange fullness. We hope to find the queen still laying and the hive clean. One thing that we have noticed is a lot of drones hanging around the water fountain and the bird bath. They have been having trouble staying out of the water and once they get in, it is still so cold that it is next to impossible for them to recover and get out. I need to find out more about the best means for watering in the early spring when the temperatures go down so low at night but get up in the 60's during the day. Our next door neighbor enjoys having the bees visit her to help with pollenation of her garden. We hope to provide honey for her in return for fresh eggs from her 8 chickens. So long for now and I hope to keep the stories and pictures coming. Ta-da for now.
. Notice the orange fullness. We hope to find the queen still laying and the hive clean. One thing that we have noticed is a lot of drones hanging around the water fountain and the bird bath. They have been having trouble staying out of the water and once they get in, it is still so cold that it is next to impossible for them to recover and get out. I need to find out more about the best means for watering in the early spring when the temperatures go down so low at night but get up in the 60's during the day. Our next door neighbor enjoys having the bees visit her to help with pollenation of her garden. We hope to provide honey for her in return for fresh eggs from her 8 chickens. So long for now and I hope to keep the stories and pictures coming. Ta-da for now. 
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