bees

This is what happens when you don't put foundation in the frames counting on your bees to do the right thing.

Also, more bee pics:

I must assure you that it is a very apprehensive moment when one opens a bee hive for the very first time. I was concerned at being found to be wanting as a beekeeper rather than the risk of being stung fifteen-or-so-thousand times. This colony seemed gentle but I hadn't invaded their home as yet and if they were to survive the winter they would need the second hive body I was about to add.

After I fired up the smoker -- which as far as I can discern is the primary and usually sole protective device for most beekeepers -- I donned my veil and gloves and carried the new hive body to the colony. It was a sunny afternoon and the bees were busy and happy. I gave the hive entrance a couple of puffs of smoke and they started making a real racket. If you've never heard it before a box full of bees all bzzzzing in unison is somewhat intimidating. After a few moments of trepidation wondering if I were the victim of some universal beekeeper joke and that smoke is really PCP for bees I carefully lifted the hive lid off.

You will be happy to learn that smoke is not PCP for bees and they were busy ignoring my intrusion. The interior old hive body was a mess. It was setup with a nine frame layout only the ninth frame is a frame feeder -- essentially a plastic container open at the top in the general shape of a frame. The feeder was empty which is to be expected; a colony can consume its contents in two or three days.

"Why yes, Virginia, it appears that I can." Not in any legal sense -- this has yet to be determined -- but I have them. I am now a beekeeper.

I took possession of a 10 frame hive body, migratory cover and bottom board, all of which have seen better days, through a happy series of coincidences about three weeks ago. Contained in this hive body were a new, genetic queen and roughly 15,000 happy and energetic bees.

I hadn't intended to become a beekeeper. Oh sure, I had picked up a book about it a few years ago and thought it was interesting. I imagined myself husbanding numerous hives in various rural settings or collecting swarms while frightened women and children looked on. But the price for being a superhero beekeeper was too great.

Needless to say this was an exceptional deal and although more hardware had to be acquired to perform the tasks necessary to become a successful beekeeper it has its (tiny) rewards. I was surprised to discover just how much time one can spend watching bees. And after you do a bit of reading and learn to identify each job the worker bee does, wow! It's way better than watching fish.

I have finally acquired needed equipment and parts and it is time to do my first hive inspection. The bees need an additional hive body to store enough pollen and honey to survive through the winter -- they don't hibernate. And a inner cover and telescoping cover to provide better ventilation and protection from the elements. So far the adventure has been sting-free with some luck I'll be able to keep it that way.

On a side note, let's use more pesticides. [thanks, Talleyrand]