New Issues In The Bee Yard

So far so good with the new hives this year. Got a good bill of health from the inspector which made me happy.
But, now comes a new issue. Japanese Beetles in the yard and they are getting on my grape vines as
well as other plants in the yard.

Checked some bee forums and left a couple of messages. Waiting on an answer.
Sent a message to Nancy the Bee Inspector. Hope for an answer from her soon.
Well, will have to wait and will find out what I have to do.

Had a swarm show up at my first hive again today. Put an entrance reducer making the entrance even smaller this time. Put a second short piece of wood blocking the entrance. Will see how that works at a  later date.
My girls are a little work but., still loving every minute with them.

Beekeeper Field Day June 2nd.

Today was a really nice June day to be out riding around to different apiaries in Stanly County.
About 12 to 15 beekeepers and Nancy, the NC Bee Inspector, took a trip around the county to check on bee hives and give advice to the keepers. The hives that were inspected were found to be in good condition and making some really good honey so far this year. Learned a lot of new ideas and heard some good advice on things to do to keep our hives happy and healthy.
The longer I have my hives the better I enjoy being a new beekeeper.

A special thanks to Nancy Rupert with the NC Agriculture Bee Inspection.

Thanks Nancy for checking my bees for me.

This hive was at an apiary we stopped at.

This little guy was at another apiary and was just watching

everyone looking at the hives. He let everyone know he was there.

He sounded off about three times. Hard to believe that he can make

such a noise.

This frame is out of my hive. Looking good.

First Hive Growing

Today I put my first medium super on my first hive. Checked it out and they have covered all but two frames. So, I set another medium super on top for them to work on.
Checked out my second hive and they are still working well. They have four frames to work on still so something next week I'll set another medium super on it.
I really enjoy my new hobby and just watching my bees at work.

#2 Bee Hive Ready May 18,2012

Got a call this morning and was told that my next hive/nuc was ready to pick up.
My friend, Mr. Pete Whitley and I drove over to Concord,NC and as we arrived I saw them sitting in their nuc/box ready for transport to their new home, my yard.
We are going to let them sit next to their hive to get use to being here until Sunday after Church. Then Mr. Whitley and I will transfer the frames to the hive and they will be at home sweet home. Love it...

Checked Out My First Hive

This morning my friend, Mr. Pete Whitley and I checked out my first hive to see what the girls were up to.
They looked like they were doing well and progressing well. Had filled another frame with nectar and pollen.
They were walking  over the empty frames getting ready to start working on making cone to store honey.

Next Hive Soon

Called about my next hive and was told they are not quite ready yet.
If the Queen is laying well by Wed. this coming week. I will have my next hive placed in the yard.
Really enjoying having my hive. Really amazing just to watch.

Busy Little Bees

Today was an interesting day observing my hive. There were more bees outside the hive today then any other day since I have placed them in the yard.
They appeared to be upset about something but, I had no idea what it could have been.
So, I waited a while and checked on them again. To my surprise they were all calm and back in the hive as usual.
Its been raining on and off the last two or three days but that seems to have no effect on their behavior.
They just continue to do their bee thing and are happy doing it.
I have been working in my shop on the other end of the yard and they have been coming in the shop visiting me then headed back out. Enjoyed the visit and they went right back to work.
Really enjoying my new hive.