Peter successfully picked up our new bees from his friend's apiary on Wednesday evening. We're excited to have a second hive back on the homestead. This hive originated from a wild swarm that Peter's friend caught and gave to us. Hooray for wild bees!
Peter shared some thoughts about the process...
It was a hectic experience. We hurried at my friend's apiary to prepare the hive for transfer before a summer evening storm arrived. I realized I had spent over three hours on the road, ending with the task of relocating thousands of agitated bees. One particularly angry bee clung to the hood of my jacket and buzzed furiously all the way back to the house. Unable to get it off, I ended up tossing the jacket onto the porch.
I hope these gals make it through. It's extremely hot today (Thursday). I'm less concerned about the heat affecting the bees and more about the stress of relocating them. However, I believe this method of acquiring bees is preferable to getting a nuc. They begin their transition with more baby bees on the way and have a frame of honey to draw from.
Even if this year the bees end up being a total flop, I'm really glad we are still working at this apiary thing. I feel like a total newbie, but this has been a great way to start the learning process. Reading about it is helpful, but there's no substitute for just diving in. Sort of like everything else we're doing on this crazy little homestead of ours.
Welcome, Bina, to Part 2! Here's to a new beginning, hopefully without any inquisitive, hungry bears this time!
