Animals
- Casualties Of Winter
I don't have to tell any of you...This was the HARDEST winter ever...of my life...ever! Now, we've had winters with more snow.We've had winters just as cold.But we have never had a winter with this much snow and ice and this much cold,that...
- Of Birds And Bees
I have had so much fun this week watching the baby barn swallows. They have grown so big that they no longer all fit in the nest. Mama and Papa Swallow spend their entire day flying in and outbringing food to their hungry brood. I seriously don't...
- Beekeeping Basics
Yesterday was another sunny day with temperatures in the 60's. The rain held off (I think today may be the day, though). I took advantage of the wonderful weather, donned my bee suit, and headed out to feed the bees. Earlier this week I mixed...
- A Welcomed Sight
One of my favorite things is to find our bees out pollinating our plantlife. A few of the apple trees have begun to bloom....and the bees went right to work.Although the next two pictures are blurry, they are an excellent illustration of how these bees...
- Honey Snacks
It has been a long cold winter here in PA. Jack and I have spent the past several weeks taking an evening beekeeping class at our local community college. We have learned a lot and I feel confident that I am ready to take over as beekeeper. Yesterday...
Animals
Buzzzzzzy Bees
With the advent of this early warm weather,
came the emergence of our bees.
I was worried at first, because the bees were out flying about...
exerting energy with no nectar to sustain them.
We, of course, were feeding them sugar water, but still....
a little cause for worry.
Isn't it like good ole Mother Nature, though, to take care of all the details!
With the warm weather came blossoms on the trees...
weeks before they normally bloom.
And the bees are nourished!
Spring time is a particularly busy time in the hive.
There is all manner of housekeeping to be done,
eggs to be layed, honey to be made, and brood to be fed and tended.
The bees bring pollen into the hive on their back legs in pollen sacs.
It is this pollen that becomes brood food.
So, you see, flowers are essential!
If the weather stays optimal, this should be a wonderful year for honey production.
It's a delicate balance...the weather... that is needed...
just enough rain, but not too much!
I have several packages of new bees and new queens to pick up in May.
These will populate the rest of my empty hives.
If only those bees were here now...while nectar is plentiful!
Yesterday was O'Malley's due date.
We should have two new baby goats any time now!
Believe me, O'Malley is ready...
she's had it with pregnancy!
And just for show,
I wanted you to see my lovely bachelor roosters.
They are Ameraucanas and quite showy.
They live close to the farmhouse and have never been exposed to the hens.
However, this picture was taken at the edge of the orchard, which is very close to the barn.
We just may have Rooster Wars in the next few weeks, if these guys get any closer....
I'll keep you posted!
Celery update:
After three weeks in water, I finally have two little roots growing from my celery stalk.
The plant itself continues to grow.
Meanwhile, the remnants of the old stalk are starting to wither.
Don't you just love science experiments?
- Casualties Of Winter
I don't have to tell any of you...This was the HARDEST winter ever...of my life...ever! Now, we've had winters with more snow.We've had winters just as cold.But we have never had a winter with this much snow and ice and this much cold,that...
- Of Birds And Bees
I have had so much fun this week watching the baby barn swallows. They have grown so big that they no longer all fit in the nest. Mama and Papa Swallow spend their entire day flying in and outbringing food to their hungry brood. I seriously don't...
- Beekeeping Basics
Yesterday was another sunny day with temperatures in the 60's. The rain held off (I think today may be the day, though). I took advantage of the wonderful weather, donned my bee suit, and headed out to feed the bees. Earlier this week I mixed...
- A Welcomed Sight
One of my favorite things is to find our bees out pollinating our plantlife. A few of the apple trees have begun to bloom....and the bees went right to work.Although the next two pictures are blurry, they are an excellent illustration of how these bees...
- Honey Snacks
It has been a long cold winter here in PA. Jack and I have spent the past several weeks taking an evening beekeeping class at our local community college. We have learned a lot and I feel confident that I am ready to take over as beekeeper. Yesterday...