Cornwall Beekeepers

[shazzer]

Are you Beekeeping in Cornwall?

I am patiently waiting for my Nuc and to have a bit of hands on experience.

Weather has not played game so far. Although there have been some sunny days it has remained quite cold and windy with showers.



There have been the odd day or two where I have seen bees out working and was wondering in general how your hives and bees where doing?

 

[charlievictorbravo]

Like the rest of the country we're hurrying up to wait for the weather to change. I've had one warm day so far this year 15° and calm when I was able to do inspections. Since then, wet, windy, cold and combinations of all three with the occasional sight of the sun.

Your local association should be starting its apiary sessions soon so get involved in them to get used to handling the bees.

CVB
Liskeard Branch

 

[misterbee82]

Hate to say it but in our part of Washington state the temperatures have been between 61 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit the last week or so. Earlier we had a week that was 78 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit but it didn't last. Our bees are out, but they do not enjoy the wind or rain.

 

[shazzer]

Thanks I will look to see which of our local associations is having Apiary days and try and pop along. The delays in getting a Nuc has actually helped as it has given more time to study and be more prepared.

 

[Glenviewbee]

What part of Cornwall are you in? If you are west of Truro then you may be interested in joining the West Cornwall Beekeepers Assoc. We have Group Apiary days just outside Marazion where you can get your bee 'fix' while waiting for your nuc

I'm near Leedstown - my colonies have been out and about in most of the weather, lots of pollen going in. Haven't messed around in the colonies very much as temperatures not conducive to it, but have been checking on potential swarming situation on my most active colony.

 

[shazzer]

Nr Looe

Looks like we will have some warmer days in a few days.
I will be popping over that way to have some hands on experience with a local beek soon.

 

[ratty4moley]

I’m near Port Isaac. Had a worrying time last year, picked up my nuc beginning of July, all seemed to be progressing fine….then robbing on a grand scale. I had to relocate the hive to save it. Returned it later and got them through the winter. Now about to super, as soon as the weather gives me a dry warm day on it and QE goes

 

[shazzer]

The excitement begins...
Still waiting for my Nuc. Sat outside my empty hive on the rooftop having a cuppa. When a single honeybee flew in and around my hive for about 30 mins coming and going. I assume it could be mapping out my hive.

Options options ��

 

[Robbo8916]

The excitement begins...
Still waiting for my Nuc. Sat outside my empty hive on the rooftop having a cuppa. When a single honeybee flew in and around my hive for about 30 mins coming and going. I assume it could be mapping out my hive.

Options options ��

Ooh you might end up with a swarm moving in if you're lucky!

 

[shazzer]

Its now almost an hour with her coming and going inside. I have one frame of new foundation inside and I put a couple of drops of lemon grass oil in about a fortnight ago. I put a tspn of sugar water on the landing ramp and she has taken no interest.

 

[Robbo8916]

Its now almost an hour with her coming and going inside. I have one frame of new foundation inside and I put a couple of drops of lemon grass oil in about a fortnight ago. I put a tspn of sugar water on the landing ramp and she has taken no interest.

She is probably scouting. She may well return with her family later!

 

[shazzer]

Absolutely fascinating. She has been coming and going for well over an hour. Flying around the hive and going in and out. You can hear her inside doing a fast buzz sound and I can also hear her bumping into the sheet of foundation which is a bit loose.

Its a an 8 frame Lang but only has one frame of new wax foundation and one blank.

I suppose I had better leave everything as is. I will have to add empty frames if I get lucky.
The plan was to go with as Pure as I could get Cornish Blacks. This Bee looks quite dark but I suppose is a Mongrel.
I will charge up the GoPro just in case there is a mass arrival and I can catch it on vid.

 

[shazzer]

Scout Bee inspecting my Hive

3 quick snaps of Scout Bee. Will try and take some video.

Its now around 2 hours and she is still coming and going. She flies away then 5 or ten mins later comes back.

Its quite sunny and warm and about 15:10 would a swarm be likely to arrive today?
tomorrow, a couple of days or a week. I wonder how long it takes for them to make a decision.
The Scout Bee has shown no interest in feeding or the plants we have around the hive.

 

[Robbo8916]

3 quick snaps of Scout Bee. Will try and take some video.

Its now around 2 hours and she is still coming and going. She flies away then 5 or ten mins later comes back.

Its quite sunny and warm and about 15:10 would a swarm be likely to arrive today?
tomorrow, a couple of days or a week. I wonder how long it takes for them to make a decision.
The Scout Bee has shown no interest in feeding or the plants we have around the hive.

Not necessarily the same bee lol. But its entirely possible you could catch a swarm

 

[shazzer]

Day 2

Day 2 Friday its 10:05 and the Scout is back and going in and out of the hive.

The bee comes over the wall to the empty rooftop hive and leaves by exactly the same path.

Video is set up outside the hive.

 

[charlievictorbravo]

I can foresee a situation where your supplier phones to say your nuc is ready for collection at exactly the time that the swarm arrives - you're an instant two colony beekeeper but with only one hive.



CVB

 

[shazzer]

I think I will give the bees the priority for this hive, 'First come first served'

You didn't send me one of yours did you CVB ? ;-)

 

[shazzer]

Day 2

I now have 2 bees going in and out and circling around the hive.

So I have now doubled my bees LOL.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

I think I will give the bees the priority for this hive, 'First come first served'

You didn't send me one of yours did you CVB ? ;-)

I now have 2 bees going in and out and circling around the hive.

So I have now doubled my bees LOL.

Quick buy more hardware

 

[shazzer]

Just gone to get my new beesuit out of the bag I now have more than 4 bees with constant buzzing around and in the hive.