No doubt the bees take center stage around Winterpast these days. With our prolific queen and plenty of nursery space, the population of bees around our house has increased. These bees are quiet and kind. They are curious, but respectful and so far, no one has been strung.
The Bee Lady stopped by Sunday evening to enjoy dinner and some conversation before checking out the hive. Months have gone by since we first decided to keep these interesting insects. During that time we’ve learned so much about the art of bee keeping. The easiest part was purchasing all the supplies. It takes years to understand why a particular colony does what it does.
The Bee Lady is helping two new BEEKs (short for Bee Keepers) with our new hobby. So far, we haven’t had any questions, as the bees are doing what bees do. Every morning, they begin their day. Around 2 pm they are the busiest. Watching the consistency of their work schedule, we’re beginning to know them a little bit.
Yesterday, there was a bit of a scare. The first day in the 80’s, a large group of bees were hanging off the front of the hive. This is called “bearding” and is totally a normal thing. While stationary, they beat their little bee wings, creating ventilation for the hive.
We did need to move some of the down-stairs’ brood frames upstairs’ so the queen gets the idea and moves to lay her eggs there. They are still eating pollen patties and syrup provided by us. I guess HHH and I belong to the Bee’s, as well as the dogs.
Last week, while looking around the yard, I decided the bird houses were pretty shabby. No one moved in last year, probably because I didn’t clean and paint. At any rate, I figured out how to open the houses this year. Oh. My. Goodness. They were full of feathers, grass, twigs, and leaves of past families. No respecting bird would want to move in there.
With a fresh coat of paint and plenty of room, we noticed a finch that took a liking to the place. He sat on the chimney guarding his find for some time. Several times, he went inside and then back out, telling everyone he’d found a nice home for his family. Soon, we’ll be able to tell if a family will again occupy the Wren-tal.
Of course, with HHH around, the birds have everything any bird would want. There are feeders brimming with only the freshest bird seed. The hummingbird feeders are topped off with a 1:1 simple syrup. All the trees are watered and fertilized to provide habitat. Everything is ready for our new families.
Along with the birds and the bees, we have butterflies. And then, there is the SQUIRREL. Not an adorable grey tree squirrel with a fluffy tail. This is a dirty little ground squirrel. HHH has lived here since the 1900’s, and never has he ever seen ground squirrels living around these parts. Never. Why is Winterpast the place to which they would move????????
We did have a pest control guy who was canvassing the area. He was so worried for us that when all the other houses are treated, the bugs will move to our house. (Not the way bugs work.) Well, did HE bring in the squirrels to drum up business? Not sure about anything in this day and age.
Hopefully, now that Oliver is back from puppy camp, he’ll make sure the squirrel finds another yard to bother. Ours is full enough.
If you’re not sure about gardening, think about hanging a bird house or feeder outside. (Unless you live on the Central Coast of California, where things like that are frowned upon.) It’s fun to watch the hummingbirds chase each other like flying saucers from another planet. And who can resist a Mourning Dove and their mournful calls? Life is a beautiful thing!
More tomorrow.