Saturday, February 15, 2020

Late February

Again another good write up on the Natures Blog.  The author is located in Stillwater, Minnesota; about 150 miles northwest of us, so his recommendations also apply to our area.

naturesnectar.blogspot.com/

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

ECWBA CLUB MEETING--February 15th

This Saturday is our regular club meeting.  It is being held at the Rushford Meadery and Winery outside of Omro.  Start time is 9:30AM.

Topics are:
     -Annual elections and other club business
     -Candle making
     -Nucs
     -Scheduling conflicts will prevent discussions about:  beeswax balms/soaps and making beeswax sandwich wraps

Sunday, February 9, 2020

February Update from Nature's Nectar blog

Follow the link to an article in the Nature's Nectar blog.  The author seems to like Saskatraz queens.  In my apiary they are faring slightly worse than Purdue Mite Biters.

naturesnectar.blogspot.com/

NEW WAY TO FIGHT VARROA AND DWV???

Here is a link to an interesting article on a potential way to fight varroa and deformed wing virus (DWV).

https://phys.org/news/2020-01-bacteria-bees-pests-pathogens.html

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Sunday, February 2, 2020

BLUE BIRD DAY


Once in a while we get a blue bird day; sunshine, little wind, and warm temps. This Sunday I think we just had our blue bird day for February; sunshine galore and warm temperatures (for February that is). 
  

Although the temperature only reached a high of 44F, the microclimate on the south face of the hive was considerably warmer.  I placed a thermometer on the face of one of my hives and recorded 65F.  This warm temperature allowed the bees to warm their flight muscles and then take short voiding flights.  I also noticed that flight activity was significantly greater in my mating yard which is protected on three sides from the wind.



  

Unfortunately, some of the bees don’t make it back to the hive and can be seen sprinkled on the snow.   Also, on the snow are those golden spots indicating they accomplished their goal of voiding waste products that they have been holding all winter.   Although a few bees don’t make it back to the hive overall the ability to take voiding flights is more beneficial to overall hive health than the loss of a few bees.  

Tomorrow we will be back to normal February temperatures so we should be glad of the blessing of this one blue bird day.