9-10-2011

The hive check today was really nice.  The bees have been really busy.  The goal today was to check the top deep to see what has been drawn out.  There are 8 frames that have some level of comb drawn out and 6 frames that are almost completely drawn out.  Note that two of the frames came from the bottom deep.... so the bees don't get credit for that, but still, 4 full frames in just a couple weeks is really impressive.  Lots of brood were in various stages and we witnessed the queen doing her job.  We also added 1.5 gallons of sugar water to keep things moving along.

 Both boxes were buzzing with activity.  Made sure to use smoke, gloves, and veil since Mom got stung trying to add sugar water.  The hive top feeder was totally empty (as expected).

 Even the frames near the edgde (i.e. frames 1 & 2) had some comb drawn out.

 The 3rd and 4th frames in were pretty much completely drawn out and full of brood.  Actually, the concern now is that there isn't as much stored honey as I'd like to see.

 Lots of activity on this frame.

 One of the middle frames... apparently lots of brood just recently hatched.

 Lots of capped brood getting ready to hatch.

Her majesty (right of center near the bottom of this picture).  Nice to see her doing such a great job.  Lots of nice white newly drawn comb.