A yard of British National Hives
Due to weather, bees cannot fly, but weather is warm enough to get out and see how things are. So far, all has worked well.
Cold but not too cold
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Author Archives: jim
Auburn Spring Workshop was Great
The 17th annual Alabama beekeeping symposium is over. About 475+ participants at the session. I want to thank everyone – participants, speakers, AL Beekeepers, ACES & Auburn administration and staff. Thanks for such a great experience.
Jim Tew
Literally – weather too good to be true
Across Alabama, spring, 2012, appears to be here strangely early. Today, February 1, 2012, was 74 F. Bees crazy with pollen and nectar. Too good to be true or just be grateful?
60+ Years of Beekeeping – What’s better? What’s Worse? (pdf file)
Speaker notes for 60+ Years of Beekeeping. Notes from a presentation in Southeast Alabama. During the past 60 years, somethings have changed while some things are nearly the same. This is a short look at the differences.
Some Comments on the Honey Bee’s Place in the Green Movement (pdf file)
I have posted a pdf file of my presentation, Honey Bees and the Green Movement for the 2012 Auburn University Spring Beekeeping Workshop
Backlighting a confined queen in a mature queen cell
I have posted a short video clip of a back lit mature queen cell at: Candling a Mature Queen Cell. The procedure is occasionally used to be sure a queen is alive and well before the cell is introduced into the colony. In earlier days, a candle was used as the light source. The queen is not harmed by this procedure.
It’s nearly time. February 4, 2012 – the Auburn University Spring Workshop
Even though I have done the Auburn University Spring Beekeeping Workshop for many years, it is still an exciting event for me. A significant amount of planning and work by many people – most of whom never get any credit – will be on display on February 4, 2012. I always look forward to seeing so many passionate beekeepers on one intense day. What is it about beekeeping anyway?
See you there,
jtew
Experience with the “MiteZapper”
Anyone with “MiteZapper” experience? Good or bad? I will be using them next spring.
Propolis and wax combs – some comments
Virgin wax is snow white, but after years of use it becomes the opposite – jet black. What’s up with this color shift? For comments, see: Propolis and wax combs
A dark comb - note the propolis-lined rim on the cells
Winter Dandelions – Hardy Plants or Dumb Plants?
It was 17 F last night. Presently about 25 F. Yet about a dozen dandelions are in bloom in my yard. Absolutely no hope of insect pollination. Do these plants have a plan or will nature remove them from the gene pool?
