Today we were playing outside (before it got too hot!) and I noticed a cloud around our smallest tree in the yard. I got a little closer and noticed that there were a TON of bees. They were all over one branch and pretty thick. We watched them awhile and went inside… awhile later they were quietly hanging out on that branch in what is called a swarm. Several bee’s were flying back and forth looking for a new home. My neighbor called a bee keeper and he came right over to get them. Bees are actually becoming more and more rare and we need them so I was happy someone actually wanted our little stinging friends.
The Bee Keeper was an interesting Hippie like man… or is he a Granola (moddern term for “hippie”)? Anyway, he came in and ran his fingers (no gloves!) through the bees looking for the Queen Bee. He found her and got his bucked out and a brush and swiped them off the branch in big chunks. (They were really thick in some places!). I asked him if he got stung, and he said “oh maybe about 5 or 6 times…” The remaining bees are still flying around the tree so we may need to spray them. They aren’t really happy about being left behind.
It was actually a really fun learning experience, and I am glad they will be making honey somewhere in the country. The kids and I ate some peanut butter and honey sandwiches for lunch… I was craving some honey after this experience.
by cyphers2
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