First Hive Check...........

Today was the first inspection since installation. John smoked the bees and the first hive was very calm while the second hive was a bit more aggressive. Once the hives were opened John was pleased with what he saw. The bees were already making honeycomb for the first frames. Hive 1 had noticeable honeycomb and Hive 2's honeycomb was a bit thicker and had more depth. We watched the bees for a while and noticed that some bees were flying in with packs of pollen!!! The queen was about out so there'll be another hive check in a few days to make sure she is fine. Until then, enjoy some of the pictures from today.

A bee with pollen sacs.....

Hive 2 bees working..........

The first frame being worked.....

Bees from Hive 1 on Frame

Bees from Hive 2 on Frame (Honeycomb is much thicker--notice in top left area)

Our Beekeeper at work...........

We saw signs today of the first honeycomb. Honeycomb is a mass of hexagonal wax cells built by honey bees in their nests to contain their larvae and stores of honey and pollen. (Wikipedia)

It is very interesting how bees make honeycomb. Here is a short explanation.

The honeycomb is formed from wax produced by worker bees. The wax is secreted from wax glands on the worker bees' abdomens. A droplet of wax hardens to a thin "scale" upon contact with air. The bee scrapes the wax scale off its abdomen and passes it to its mouth. It chews on the wax until it is softened and uses it to add to the construction of the comb. The wax may also be used to cap cells containing honey. (Source: The Beekeeper's Handbook. 3rd ed. Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile. Ithaca, NY: Comstock Publishing, 1998.)