[Gathnet] Bee Tree

[Jonathan Gathman]

Dear Gathnetters,

Last Fall, when I was working quickly to get more wood for the winter (was a bit behind because of big projects) I went to one side of the property where a tree was leaning way over, and I suspected it would be pretty dry.  There were still brambles and what not all over so it was a bit of a chore getting there, and it was still pretty warm.  Anyway, I clear a spot (to be able to jump out of the way, in case the tree starts to fall my direction, and noticed a bee or two... nothing to worry about.  I start the chain saw, and notice about 4 bees.  I start to cut into the tree and notice about 20 bees and more, and realized that it was not the right time to keep cutting, so I killed the saw, and got out of there reasonably quickly... (no stings either :) ). 

I wasn't really sure if the bees were in the tree, or in the ground, as I didn't stick around long enough to find out... ;) (also remember it was pretty leafy and brambly) and figured I'd go back out in the winter some time when it was cold enough where the bees would be inactive.  I've not really had any Saturdays where I'm not either doing something else or it wasn't raining, or too slippery with ice, or something.

Fast forward...  Today was a bit warm... I got outside, and it was already 33 degrees, and climbing to a pretty sunny/balmy 44 degree day.  So I cut into the tree, and sure enough, there was (once) a bee colony in there.  

http://picasaweb.google.com/celloandmore/BeeTree?feat=directlink

None  of the combs had any honey, or any larvae, and I saw no evidence of any mass death or places where they were hiding.  I rather suspect they decided to find another spot after I damaged their home, and indeed, I can see that where I cut in probably would let rain into their otherwise snug chamber.  That makes me feel a bit better, as I felt a bit of remorse when I realized it was a real bee tree. 

If you are curious, I finished up the Greek Tray, and put the final pictures on the web. 

http://picasaweb.google.com/celloandmore/WorkingOnGreekTiledTray02?feat=directlink

Take care!

Jonathan Gathman
jonathan at stl.gathman.org



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