We just posted our latest Bee Tv Episode 3 to the Bees World Playlist on YouTube
This episode had several new species visit the watering dish, as it’s been close to 100 degrees for the last couple of days. The interactions between the bees has been quite fascinating, you just need to slow down long enough to notice.
I’m still adding an extra quart of fresh water in addition to the dish refilling itself twice a day with the drip.
Bees love to collect fresh water to bring back to their hives. It’s fun watch them collect it. This is one of the few times they actually slow way down and you can catch a good look.
The water dish attracts honeybees from around the area and other wild bees, I even noticed a slug in the beginning of the video taking a drink.
I realize this isn’t the most exciting content ever made, but I would venture to say even the most seasoned beekeepers have never takin the time to see what happens when local bees from all around meet up at a watering hole.
It’s great to watch their interactions, their landings, their hellos, and the way they wipe their face before flying off. I find it all very fascinating, but maybe it’s just me that thinks so!
There are several things I’m personally observing while watching. I look for any sign of Varroa Mites, so far I haven’t seen one. I’m also watching how they land and take off and watch for any aggressive behavior between the different species that visit.
In this video you’ll see the Oregon native yellow legged Grass-carrying Wasp, the European Paper Wasp and also some other tiny native Solidary bees that visit too. It’s been real hot and they’re more willing to stand their ground to get a drink.
The honeybees, after getting their drink, seem to charge somewhat at the other species, by flying over them super fast and close or they just chase them a bit but otherwise they all seem to allow some grace.
Over the summer the bees have relaxed and they give me the softest sound as they fly by when filling the water and observing. Totally non threatening, I think they might just be saying hello or thank you.
You can provide fresh water for your local bees, it really helps them out and they’ll reward you by pollinating your garden!
