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The spring 2006 NCBA state meeting in Clemmons was a huge success. The event was hosted by the Forsyth County beekeepers and they did a fantastic job. One of the largest crouds in recent memory turned out for informative presentations, silent auction, raffle and a good variety of vendors. Make plans now for attending the summer meeting in July.
Photo taken from digital video by Calvin Robinson Click on photo for access to NC Beekeepers Association website
Dr. Zachary Huang did several wonderful presentations at the Spring NCSBA meeting. His photography is amazing and those who chose to do so were able to sit in on a photography class taught by Dr. Huang.
Photo by Dr. Zachary Huang of Michigan State University. Click on photo for access to his wonderful photography
I encourage everyone that can to go to the state meetings. Make plans now to attend the one this July. You will not regret going to these meetings because of what you will learn and the wonderful friends you will meet. I met a most interesting beekeeper at the spring meeting and we have shared photos and videos that are of interest to people wanting to know more about bees and beekeeping. His name is Dr. Buddy Marterre and he is a surgeon, a beekeeper, a missionary and very good photographer. Buddy is the president of the Forsyth county beekeepers and headed up a most interesting bee school this spring. I look forward to sharing more about beekeeping and other interests as our future allows. Buddy gave me permission to share some of the photos that he has sent me and I have included them here. Buddy is also looking forward to speaking to the BCBC in the near future. You will enjoy his presentations. Calvin Robinson
Notice the queen in the middle. Buddy Marterre caught her fresh back from her mating flight. Notice the mating sign still attached to her abdomen.
Photo by Dr Buddy Marterre, president Forsyth Co beekeepers
Only a couple of minutes later and the mating sign has been removed.
Photo By Dr Buddy Marterre
Entrance hole to a bee tree on Buddy's property. Notice the number of darker bees.
Photo by Dr Buddy Marterre
Buddy's bee tree came down and he decided to try and save the genetics of this colony by putting them in a Langstroth hive
Photo provided by Buddy Marterre
Buddy doing some "surgery" on this tree. Would this be a Bee-section? At any rate, I see Buddy can use more than one type of cutting instrument.
Photo provided by Buddy Marterre
Who says bees in a bee gum can not be removed for inspection?
Photo provided by Buddy Marterre
I have heard numerous reports of bee trees this spring and wonder if we may be seeing a come back of sorts. Could a Varroa resistant strain finally be getting a foot hold in our area? Carl Chesick shared some photos of his bee tree. Notice the colors again. The light yellow color of the Italian bees most of us keep is not present here. They are probably a mixed breed of bees and it is possible they could benefit from what genetics researchers call hybrid vigor.
Carl has been climbing the ladder to look down in the cavity of the tree. Careful Carl!
Photo by Carl Chesick
Carl's tree is interesting in that they are all dark bees. They could even be a tad bit smaller than most or our bees.
Photo by Carl Chesick
What a beautiful sight! Wouldn't it be great to see bee trees make a comeback.
Photo by Carl Chesick
From the color, it looks like these bees have a Russian influence.
Photo by Carl Chesick
Many of you know I (Calvin Robinson) was involved in taking bees from the wall of an abandoned house earlier this spring. Carl gave me valuable assistance and support in this effort and I am greatful. These bees had been in this wall for a good while it appears. They were a strong colony and like Buddy's bees, they were a mixture of dark and light bees. Again, this is a recurring theme in ferel bees I have come into contact with this spring.
The bees in the wall had several entrance holes and were a mixture of dark and light bees.
Photo taken from digital video by Calvin Robinson
These bees built in two sections between the studs instead of just one. They swarmed the day before I took them from the wall and I caught the swarm too.
Photo by Carl Chesick
This was a very strong colony that filled two brood boxes even after swarming.
Photo by Carl Chesick
I am 6 feet tall and the comb was taller than that.
Photo by Carl Chesick
Deirdre Perot Lightsey of Rutherford County was at the field day in Swannanoa. What a beautiful day it was at the 4-H center. She made a lot of great photos and even had time to take the practical part of the certified beekeeper exam. Thanks to Deirdre for sharing the photos.
Jeanne Price discussing the practical exam
Photo by Deirdre Perot Lightsey
Jeanne Price administering the practical exam
Photo by Deirdre
Bill Metts administers the practical exam
Photo by Deirdre
Edd Buchanan examines a frame of brood with field day participants while he models the "beekeepers tank top"
Photo by Deirdre
Greg Rogers demonstrates how to escape from a straight jacket and still light a smoker in less than one minute. It appears that commercial beekeeping has caused him to become quite good at escape from these jackets. He always says you have to be nuts to be a commercial beekeeper. Notice the look of confidence on his face as he waits for the timer to say go. Just kidding Greg! Thanks for your demonstrations and allowing us to give you abuse over this photo.
Photo by Deirdre
Building the artificial swarm. Edd's demonstration is always a hit and amazes everyone.
Photo by Deirdre
As always everyone gained much knowledge from Master Beekeeper Edd Buchanan's question and answer. We are so fortunate to have all our experienced beekeepers that are so willing to share.
Photo by Deirdre
The field day was a busy event. While the practical test went on, others took time to catch up on things.
