This is a link to an interesting article.

Zom-bee parasite

Some new pictures.

lost a swarm July 7 2013

 The bees had not produced much honey when we checked probably because of rain almost every day so I did not examine the hives carefully.  If I had, I may have seen evidence of this unanticipated swarm.   When the  weather  improved they were busy foraging. Raspberries and honey locust were always full of bees.  They seem to totally ignore most other blossoms including  the abundant "daisy flea bane" that attracts a tiny iridescent hovering bee.  

This large swarm in a walnut tree was first noticed in the late morning.  Empty hives were arranged near the tree that they totally ignored.

 The hive left in less than an hour after we noticed it.
 By the time we  suited up, they were totally gone.

Bee Mites Suppress Bee Immunity, Open Door For Viruses And Bacteria

Bee Mites Suppress Bee Immunity, Open Door For Viruses And Bacteria

sick bees

 The record rain and cool weather has been especially hard on one hive.  The stains were scrubbed with hydrogen peroxide.  The entrance reducer was removed and compared to a similar entrance reducer from a distant hive by culture.    

After 5 days only one fecal stain was seen suggesting the problem is reduced.

plants and progeny

Close to record rainfall for this area has allowed a diversity of plants, all are native, except this mustard.   Thousands of toad tadpoles are hatching,  some may be from the few tree frogs. 

congratulations tiffany