Dragging in at the end of the day....

[bakerjw]

So, I am a new apiarist. A Bee Keeper. Actually they work, I just watch and enjoy.
Every evening, and sometimes during the day, I go out and watch them leave and return to the hive. They bounce off of me on occasion but I am not a threat so no harm, no foul.
Tonight with a scotch and water, I set my cell phone up and was taking pics and videos on a beautiful Tennessee evening. One particular picture captured this girl landing and trudging into the hive on what would likely be her last trip of the day. How far she is going, I have no idea. How many trips to the same field, I have no idea. I would be willing to bet that she put in at least 20 miles today and will do the same tomorrow and the next day until she is so worn out that she becomes a nurse bee in the hive and then dies. Only to be thrown out the front door when dead.
I will call her Magnolia. So today, here's to Magnolia!

[Norcal707]

Cheers to Magnolia with two fingers of Wild Turkey 101!

[ryanmattes]

I tip my Glenlivet to her as well!

And now I'm going to walk out back and see what my girls are doing.

[gwpercle]

Bees are marvelous creatures ... I even like the carpenter bees that live around here .
Honey Bees live in a small hollow tree ... watching them swam is something else !

Here's a Toast To Bees ...even the carpenters and bumbler's
Gary

[sparky45]

Cheers to Magnolia with two fingers of Wild Turkey 101!

Here, here!!

[Gewehr-Guy]

Learning to keep bees is on my to do list. I like to garden, and have some fruit trees, but seldom see bees anymore, so guess I'll have to get my own.

[ryanmattes]

Learning to keep bees is on my to do list. I like to garden, and have some fruit trees, but seldom see bees anymore, so guess I'll have to get my own.

It's a little intimidating at first, because everyone has the wrong impression of bees, but after you are around them a while you just get used to the fact that they aren't interested in you, and just want to do their jobs. Then it becomes relaxing doing hive maintenance, instead of stressful. And really, there's not even a ton of maintenance. I check on mine once a week unless there's something unusual going on.

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[Buzz Krumhunger]

Keep up with using a commercially acquired European queen. The Africanized queens will slip in the hive and before you know it you have a hive of ill tempered bees that will really put a hurtin on you.

Several people in this area have been attacked and some killed by Africanized bees when working out in the countryside.

[bakerjw]

My hive is a wild swarm. They are extremely docile and tolerate my presence very well. They are on a brick pillar right next to a small barn so that is where I stand to watch them. They haven't a care in the world that I am there. I'm going to give them another 10 days before I open the hive and inspect. That'll give them time to make comb and for the queen to be laying.

[ryanmattes]

Good luck! Hope you find lots of brood!

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[bakerjw]

I registered it with the state today. Failure to register can mean a stiff fine and hive confiscation. Not sure what else is involved.