Last year in July a beek in my area and I were talking and he mentioned he'd caught a swarm but didn't have a body to put them in so they'd been in his trap for a couple months. He'd been more successful trapping than he expected it would seem. I'd recently carved out a log for a hive but didn't have bees for it and he said if I wanted I could move them in. We both knew it was a long shot with the dearth already started but since they had resources (we hoped) we went ahead and moved them in.
I made a couple inspections throughout the summer, never seemed to thrive, never added much comb, never built up resources much. About middle of September was the last activity I noticed at the hive and I assumed they were gone. I never opened the hive being busy with building a barn, adding sheep to tye property, and holidays coming on.
A few weeks back the last weekend of January on a nice warm 65 degree day we noticed some bees flying around and I figured some robbers had found the hive and were scavenging leftovers. Another cold spell came through and then last weekend, another 65 and sunny weekend, I noticed a bunch of bees doing orientation flights. Closer observation I found a bunch of bees flying in with pollen bags full.
I haven't opened the hive, I'm letting them be for now but I have to admit to being shocked to seeing them. I'm pretty sure it's too early for a swarm to have moved in but who knows, I suppose stranger things have happened. My hives have been pretty active, I'm wondering if spring will be coming early this year.
Hive closed up and occupied last year
Comb from the hive trap on the frames I made for the hive
Some bees lounging at the entrance I cut with my chainsaw
Topic: Surprise! We're still here! (Read 844 times)