I have been fascinated by bees for a loooooooong time. In fact I wrote 2 term papers when I was in school about bees. Several years ago a bee club started in Powhatan and we were approached about selling bee supplies. My dormant interest returned.
I have been wanting a bee hive by my garden to help with pollination but I just have not been able to talk myself into the extra work a hive requires. I have enough projects and things to do but I wanted one. I found myself weakening.
Right now I have the best of both worlds. A customer brought me one of his hives. All I have to do is check on the hive every couple of days and I have a hive of busy, active bees to observe.
I am so thrilled with the “squatter” hive. I stood at a distance and watched as the hive was set up. All seemed calm and peaceful. I can handle this!
I waited one day before returning to the hive to check one my “warriors”. I had been assured they don’t usually sting and that I could probably even lift the lid and look in. With my camera in tow I stood 6-8 feet away and snapped a few pictures. Then I just stood quietly and watched, minding my own “beesiness”.
Suddenly I was attacked by one of the “calm” warriors. He gave his life to show his dislike for me!!! Instantly I heard the familiar ‘buzzing” sound and there were things moving around in my hair! I immediately became a moving target, swinging my arms like bats and swatting, smashing at the creepy, crawlers on my head. You can only do so much when you have a camera in one hand. Amazingly I only got stung once. When I looked in the mirror I saw the little rascal had left his stinger behind in my neck, which I gently pulled out.
I have learned lesson number one. I should approach the hive from the side or back so they don’t think I am a “threat” and need to be dealt with in proper and timely fashion!
Today the beekeeper came and checked on his hive and put sugar water in the top feeder. I stood at a “safer” distance and took pictures. All was well in bee-land. I did notice he had his smoker sitting on a nearby post!
