Some bees up close

I took this the other day.  I couldn't help noticing how 'fuzzy' they are!

It has been rather cold and rainy lately.  Hoping for some better weather.

Queen Cells Collected for new colony starts !

Here is a picture taken today from a frame of bees that were setup in a cell builder.  They made two cells.  Each of these will make a new 2013 queen.  It was a bit cool and rainy and I was hoping for more cells but you can't always get what you want.  At least that is what Mick Jagger says.

Have a great day !

Bee Yard Visit - May 29th 2013

These are a few of my mating nucs that were staged today.  They should be populated with bees and virgin queens fairly soon.  

This next picture shows a nuc that has a new queen in it.  Note how dark these are.  These are my Russian/Carnolian crossed bees.  Their Queen Mother not only survived last winter she was thriving in the early spring as well.  I hope to get some good stock with her.

  

A young bee landed on my sleeve while taking pictures today.  Just look at that pollen !

This shot was taken from the north end of my main yard.  We had some sun breaks for a brief time but it quickly became overcast as the day progressed.

This bee seems to be saying, "Hey... look what I have !"

They were busy bringing in pollen which is a good sign that they are brooding quite a bit now.

Getting Ready for the 2013 Queen raising season.

This time of year is very busy and exciting.  I have several queens that have performed very well with winter survival and rebounding for spring.  Hope to raise at least 50 queens from these most excellent mothers!

New Port Facility for the USS Carl Vinson Top Bar Hive !

 

 

The USS Carl Vinson Top Bar hive has a new 'port'.   I built this new hive stand to make it easier to work with this colony.

 It was a cool wet day today so flight ops were restricted a bit. You can see the 'crew' through the view port on the starboard side. 

 Have a wonderful day !

 

ps.  I will be taking some pictures from my Queen Rearing operation up at our home yard next week.  It will be exciting!