Bart and I went on a quest to a construction equipment engineering facility to rescue bees that had been swarming in the car park. We wore protective beekeeping gear - the big white suits with the mesh face covering. I couldn't decide whether it was more like a clean room suit with a fencing mask or a spaceman costume. We took off an entire tree limb, popped it into a large trough-like box, and transported them to a nice spot near the reservoir to set up their hive. It's a bit tricky, keeping the bees happy. Bart compared the car to a Tardis for bees :) Poor confused furballs!
It was fascinating observing bee behavior at close range. Their instinct to follow their queen is amazing - as is their ability to smell her pheromones. Luckily for us, the swarm was non-aggressive since it didn't have a developed nest to defend.
Later in the day, we returned to check up on our bee family. The queen and her posse had moved from the tree branch to the top of the box, which was a good sign that they were getting comfortable. Removing the branch was a delicate operation, but everything went smoothly and honey production should commence shortly!
As a side note, I discovered that Saabs can survive off-road adventures
To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. - Jane Austen
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