Face time

Temperature: 17c
Weather: Cloudy, threatening rain
Stings: One

A bee in my veil! A bee in my veil! Next time I'll remember not to lean over the hive as I put lean frames I've taken out against the body of it. I think one flew up the bee suit and then was in my veil and buzzing round my face. That was a tense moment. I squished it and got on with my inspection. The sting was on my back and it got in my suit when I opened them us as a few were flying. Image via WikipediaI think I semi-squished it when I stood up and it stung me in anger.

And the bees are fine. They have drawn another couple of frames and I put some more in that they could get on with. No signs of swarming yet but there is drone brood and they are very busy. I'll get the frames ready and do the swarm prep this weekend, weather permitting. I was worried when I turned up as there were not many bees flying but when I went to inspect there were loads on the frames so all the others must have been out foraging. I've taken a few frames off so I ill get some early honey from them as I can't use what they have drawn as stores for next year. Too risky.

I also learned this week that I was wrong about the queen. I thought they went on mating flights every year. But they only go on one and after that never leave the hive except to swarm. So that makes my planning a bit easier as I don't have to worry about her mating just absconding with half the bees. But that happens every year.