My little bee brain is buzzing with information overload.

Today’s hive inspections brought plenty of good news but also a wild cornucopia of new bee experiences. I think I need a drink.

Alex opening the Ann Hive

But first, here’s what went down:

• We found queens and eggs in the Ann Hive and the Polski hive. Yay!
• At least 10 capped swarm cells awaited us in the Kerry Hive.
• It was impossible not to hear the high-pitched squawk of a virgin queen in the Kerry Hive which we tracked down and photographed. 
• We removed 7 bars of brood and resources from the Kerry Hive and gave some queen cells to a local beekeeper in need.
• The extra swarm cells we dissected.
• Opening some drone cells, we found varroa mites on drone pupae.
• We saw a birthing bee.

Photos and details follow. Whew! Who knew one afternoon in the life of a beekeeper could be so fascinating.

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Tags: piping, squawking, varroa, virgin queen