Nuc progress and other fascinating tales....




Fred: 'What the <BLEEEEP> do you want?'
Me: Could you, um, maybe file my invoices and bills, please? You know, that pile there?
Fred: Not a chance, biped. My job description involves alarm barks and
napping in cute positions. That's it, capiche?
Me: Well, if you could--
Fred: Do I need to talk to HR again? 'Cause I'll go straight to HR.

 


Sunflowers are coming up. Squash, too.
Our top bar is cranking along very well. The nuc that we
put in almost two weeks ago has created new comb
on empty bars.




On the left are two foundation frames with the original nuc comb.
The two on the right are newly constructed comb, built on empty
hive bars.




Inside the top bar. Looks like the floor of the NYSE. So, uh, how's honey trading?



Holy crap. They're line dancing.
But girls, come on. To 'Achy Breaky Heart'? Really?

 

Our Lady of Perpetual Watering.

 


The nuc we used to replace the weak colony last week might very well be ready
for a super by early next week. They are doing stellarly. But oooo lawd, is everyone
there touchy! The summer brood are way more aggressive than the wintered over crop.
I had one lose a stinger in my suit sleeve. And I had only just been
marveling at the butt-folding dance I thought she'd been doing.



Second Bee Check!

This week, while Glenn mowed just below us, Michael and I went to check on the bees. We also introduced a teaspoon full of "bee oil" to one of the four feeders in each hive. This concoction was prescribed by the beekeeper from whom we bought the packages. According to the receipe he provided, it is comprised of our sugar syrup, saffron-colored lecithin granules, oil of spearmint, and oil of lemongrass. The mix made our house smell pretty amazing for a full 48 hours, and its odor lingered in the fan over the stove for several days).  

Our ladies, as you can see below, are doing well and drawing out comb. Some frames even show evidence of brood cells, which means the queen is laying eggs. They look healthy and happy. And they were very active when we were there. Michael and I sat and watched them take off and land with the speed and density of commuter flights at Dulles. (Their air traffic controllers are far better, apparently).

And we are suiting up.... 



Pulling out a frame. The bees are busy
creating comb for brood. Notice that
some of the cells on the right hand side
are actually capped.

Another frame, with comb. Again the cells
are capped in a solid pattern on the
upper right hand side. Hopefully, there is
brood already there.

Another frame with comb.

Here, they are building new, yellow
comb on top of the black
wax base a little more slowly.

The yellow along the frame edge is
very likely dandelion pollen.

Yet another frame.





Michael and me, on "Bee Hill" afterwards.