Hiving feral bee colony (165 images)

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Update:24 March 2010...Heavy rain, strong winds and cold temperatures kept the bees confined to quarters, but the sun has come out today...temps in the 40's and they are FLYING!!! Don't see pollen coming in yet but here is hoping!
The Spring Northeaster of March 13, 2010 was a sad night for an eleven year old feral honey bee colony living in a venerable old maple tree hundreds of years old.
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<click on "Patricia Sheley Photography" to return to homepage>
Update:24 March 2010...Heavy rain, strong winds and cold temperatures kept the bees confined to quarters, but the sun has come out today...temps in the 40's and they are FLYING!!! Don't see pollen coming in yet but here is hoping!
The Spring Northeaster of March 13, 2010 was a sad night for an eleven year old feral honey bee colony living in a venerable old maple tree hundreds of years old.
That "tree of life" had seen much and withstood many storms, served as home to wood ducks faithfully returning year after year to raise their young, many varieties of woodpeckers, birds and owls...but all these residents came to know and co-habit peacefully with one of the gentlest bee colonies we have ever had the honor to know and love.

After being slammed to the ground during the storm, efforts were made to protect the huge section of the maple containing their home and after sealing the open ends, gave them all a week to organize themselves while we worked to lay an hopeful gameplan to help them into a new home... The images that follow are the record of that attempt begun before first light Saturday morning the 20th of March... I will update with progress, pictures and news, hopefully in celebration but understanding that it may also be in mourning for a gene pool uncommonly healthy and gentle and kind all these years... Please to not hesitate to email me at "contact" below with any comments or questions. Enjoy the adventure... Patricia <high resolution images of this gallery are available by contacting me>
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