04/24/2020
I didn't have luck catching any swarms last season but this swarm found me. It set up house in an abandoned bee box last summer and managed to survive the mild winter. I didn't disturb it until now and was pleased with what I found... The hive is doing fantastic! They are calm and sympathetic, free of varroa mites, and well organized without my help. They seemed exceptionally healthy and happy. And maybe that should be expected. It is the best time of the year for bees, after all. They are hitting the orange blossoms and bee balm in the yard with great numbers and obvious delight. The temperatures are pleasant and the air quality is superb. If you're out on a social distance walk and see some bees, say hi. I'm sure they'll pay no attention whatsoever but you'll probably notice something. They are busy doing what they do and that is great to see.