"Chobbling" away

Checked the fondant today on all my hives; many had the bees "chobbling" away and a few colonies needed more! A sure sign of how poor summer was ( I took no honey off any hive after the Rape this year). The pleasing sign was the way many reared their stings up at me as I peeked to check the fondant (a real "thanks for checking but clear off !" from the bees) .

Autumn

Autumn is really here and the colour of the trees is a beautiful spectacle.In the autumn sunshine the hives are busy, vital pollen abounds as bees return waddling into the hive. A sight to behold!

Natural Beekeeping

It was good to read in BeeCraft about the Natural Beekeeping Convention. What a shame that to date my local branch and County seem afraid (and ignorant) of trying this approach.

Ivy

Apiguard treatments complete and every hive has food; it was so sad to close the gates on sites knowing that is it, season over! To a large extent all is in the hands of Mother Nature now until Spring (6 months away!! Ugh!). As I drove along though I did notice a most distinctive smell - Ivy in bloom!