It has been some time since I have updated this blog with News from the Bee Yard, so I will do one big update.
Six hives successfully overwintered and are coming along with various results. Two are going very well, or were until both hives swarmed. I have I think two or three full supers from each. The other four are doing okay - one, a swarm from last summer, is only now building up. I have supers on all six hives.
Regarding swarms, this has been a good year. I have had good success with swarm traps - five out in various spots with lemongrass oil. Captured three swarms - gave one away hived one about a month ago, and the third I am in the process of removing from the trap (looks like a large flower pot and a bit complicated to cut out the comb and put into empty frames). Just moved this swarm into a hive a few days ago and into the bee yard early this morning before they started their daily foraging. Will go back to check and feed them later today.
The bee yard is now mowed - uncovered an early-1800s stone wall at the lower end - likely build by the Skillins family before they outgrew the island and moved to Peaks Island.
