Author Archives: jkmcintyre

Hot enough to beard

Posted on July 1, 2013 by jkmcintyre

Very uncharacteristically, it has been hot in Seattle. Really hot. Nearly unheard of in June. Last year the high today was 68 degF, close to the 57-year average of 70 F. Today reached 92 F – and the bees noticed. … Continue reading →

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Hive Inspection 101

Posted on June 19, 2013 by jkmcintyre

I look at the bees every day.  I watch them fly about the yard, and I peek into the hive through the observation windows.  A few weeks ago we noticed the first drone bees.  These are males (in contrast to … Continue reading →

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She takes them outside

Posted on May 29, 2013 by jkmcintyre

Mid-morning I see Little Sister squatting on the ground outside the broody box.  Just squatting.  Presumably, the chicks are tucked beneath her.  Sure enough, after I take some photos, she gets up and 4-day chicks spill out from under her … Continue reading →

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Scratch & Peck 101

Posted on May 28, 2013 by jkmcintyre

It is cool today. The chicks are 48-h old. Momma is up out of the nest box teaching her chicks how to make their living. Lesson one: Scratch and Peck. Unfortunately, the spot she has chosen is exceedingly muddy and … Continue reading →

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