The saying “may you live in interesting times” is often quoted as an old Chinese curse. It turns out this probably came from the British diplomatic service in the 1930’s rather than China, but it is apt to our situation nonetheless. We live in interesting times. March has been an especially interesting month for me, personally, and of the various stories I could tell I thought an early swarm might be the most interesting.

A swarm from my apiary on March 17, 2020 ©Erik Brown

Continue reading →

Well, this post got stuck in my queue and never made it out before Christmas, much to my dismay. I have had a wonderful holiday so far, and even though it is December 26 I thought I would post my annual bee song regardless. I think my first such post in 2015 was still my best; this year I used my darling wife’s favorite as the basis for my poetry.

This is sung to the tune of White Christmas. I tried to write it from the point of view of the bees, sitting in their cluster even as I type. Enjoy.

We’re buzzing for a bright Springtime
Just like the ones we used to know
Where the tree buds glisten
and evenings misting
So nectar and pollen start to flow

We’re buzzing for a bright Springtime
With every wing beat that I form
My our cluster be merry and warm
And may all your colonies go swarm

The song White Christmas was written by Irving Berlin, who was Jewish and did not celebrate the holiday. The song was made famous by Bing Crosby, in a version that according to Wikipedia is the world’s best-selling single.

My top bar hives (and nuc) on December 15, 2019. This is my first year trying to overwinter a nuc, so I wrapped it in foam insulation to make myself feel better. I did an oxalic dribble in my Langstroth hives, including the nuc, before taking this picture. You can dribble a top bar hive; I just decided against it. ©Erik Brown

May you prosper and find honey in 2020. Happy New Year!