Saturday, June 7, 2014

June 5 sighting of new bees at Bend, OR hive

The babies are old enough to venture outside...new hive in Bend on May 3--Carniolans, dark and gentle and able to fare well through winters. Makes me happy!!! 

Today, June 7,  a few dark bees were among those returning to the hive with nectar. I understand that young bees will go out to forage earlier than the normal 3 weeks in the hive if there are not enough foragers; this would be the case in starting a new hive with a 3 pound package. Bees are now consuming about 2/3 cup syrup daily and I will continue to provide syrup until they stop using it.

Met Lucia, an experienced beekeeper, at the Juniper pool Thursday; we will open and inspect my hive together when we have a warm, calm day.