[ExI] bees again

[spike at rainier66.com]

Over the years I have posted my observations of local bees, a topic not
entirely ExI related, but my friends and colleagues have been most indulgent
of this folly.

 

Starting about 10 yrs ago, I noticed what appeared to be signs of bee
distress everywhere I looked.  Now for reasons equally hard to explain, I am
seeing signs of robust recovery everywhere.  I am not seeing dead or dying
bees on the sidewalks and roads, I do not see signs of listless inactivity
on the hive surfaces, my own blossoms are buzzing as loudly (if not moreso)
than before a decade ago.

 

About two months ago, I was at the local miniature golf park when a most
vigorous swarm passed through.  Knowing that swarming bees will not sting, I
positioned myself in the middle of a bee tornado, attempting to take a photo
of an interesting phenomenon, as other patrons tossed their clubs and fled
in ignorant terror.

 

Yesterday I saw another swarm, again looking around for a place to start a
new hive.  It is unusual to see a bee swarm in the wild as often as every
five years.  I see two in this year alone.

 

As far as I know, there were no major overhauls in pesticide use in
California or Santa Clara County, but I do recognize the possibility that
such a change occurred.  Information to the contrary is welcomed, here or
offlist.  If there was such a change in the last coupla years, this could be
a big finding.

 

Congratulations on the apparent recovery to our bee friends.

 

spike

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