Another Inspection (on film)

Steve & Gil returned to the bees this morning. We had a discussion about Hive 2, and agreed that we all seem to prefer the option of leaving them alone as much as possible - the more we destroy their 'cross-comb', the less likely they are to survive. At least leaving them on their own to live as a "Warre hive", they'll have a chance to build up numbers before winter, and then we can start them again 'properly' in Spring - possibly in a new hive - possibly with a perspex side so we can watch them more easily.  We did fill the feeder with inverted sugar syrup but without opening the hive.

Hive 1 was really due for a full inspection - Because there were only 2 of us, I concentrated on filming the inspection rather than taking photos, as there are so many bees in there, it takes 2 pairs of hands to avoid squishing them.

I've edited the film down to 5 minutes - I've also edited out my 'near sting' (but that's why i had the camera on the grass - though I left me walking past to show how the bees were really crowding us this time).  By the end there were quite a few attempted stings going on, and the misaligned comb is just really awkward to lift out and replace easily. 

Though the feeder was empty we also agreed that Hive 1 really seems to have enough stored syrup for now - and that we would leave off feeding them as much as Hive 2.

I will return early on Monday evening just to feed them, if anyone fancies joining me.