The Bees Are On Their Way

An update from Beekeeper Ami Frick

The wait is almost over—our bees are on their way!

The hive has been successfully split, and both queens are in place and doing their important work. This week, you’ll notice the hive stand being moved to its permanent home, getting everything ready for the colony’s arrival.

The hive itself will be transported after dark, when most of the bees have returned home for the evening and are resting. It’s the safest time to move a colony of nearly 20,000 bees. And yes… there will almost certainly be a few lullabies sung during the 30-minute drive as beekeeper Ami carefully escorts the ladies to their new home!

Once the hive arrives at St. Andrew, the bees will be given a few quiet days to settle in. During that time, they’ll take their orientation flights—short looping flights around the hive that help them memorize the location of their new home.

Early next week, Ami will perform the colony’s first inspection, making sure the queen is healthy, laying eggs, and doing exactly what a queen bee should be doing.

We are so excited to welcome this incredible pollinator ministry to St. Andrew. The bees are almost here, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you!

Image Credit: Sarah Damen, unsplash.com