Open colony

[LeaBees]

This colony spotted high up in a tree in woods. Apparently have been there a while and are still very active. Amazing they have survived with such exposed comb. To my beginner eyes, colour and size suggests they have been there a while?

 

[The Poot]

This colony spotted high up in a tree in woods. Apparently have been there a while and are still very active. Amazing they have survived with such exposed comb. To my beginner eyes, colour and size suggests they have been there a while?

View attachment 25993

Makes a nonsense of our fitting beehive cosies and thick insulation! Whereabouts in th UK is this?

 

[TomH]

Think how many matchsticks you'd need to put under the roof to achieve that level of ventilation!

 

[LeaBees]

Makes a nonsense of our fitting beehive cosies and thick insulation! Whereabouts in th UK is this?

South Glocestershire..

 

[Erichalfbee]

Makes a nonsense of our fitting beehive cosies and thick insulation!

No it doesn’t. Those bees are surviving rather than thriving and bringing in a decent crop.

 

[viridens]

But does that photo show the whole thing? If the tree is hollow there could be feet of comb tucked away above, below or both. I have seen them like that.

 

[The Poot]

No it doesn’t. Those bees are surviving rather than thriving and bringing in a decent crop.

I really must reign in my (clearly) inappropriate sense of humour.
I just felt the wind from a board rubber whizzing past my ear...

 

[Erichalfbee]

I really must reign in my (clearly) inappropriate sense of humour.
I just felt the wind from a board rubber whizzing past my ear...

Drat ! I missed...... again

 

[Finman]

But does that photo show the whole thing? If the tree is hollow there could be feet of comb tucked away above, below or both. I have seen them like that.

One case shows nothing.
.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

One case shows nothing.
.

I've found that not to be the case many a time

 

[hemo]

Was it claimed to be duty free .

 

[Finman]

Answer my friend, is blowing in the wind...


Rotten tree trunk is greates teacher in beekeeping in the UK.

Main thing is that the branch is hard.