Apiary inspection 28/06/2011

Today's inspection was an especially good one as my better half came with me. We started off by suiting up and getting the smoker going. Steph took plenty of pictures so will use them to tell the story,

Smoker in one hand, hive tool in the other - Ready!

Bees flying outside th hive entrance.

Hive roof removed, just checking the feeder; they had plenty of syrup left.

Lots of brace comb to be removed before the crown board is replaced.

Loads of Bees! A few puffs of smoke across the top and most will retreat into the hive.

The Bees have drawn out the comb on the left and on the right where it is just foundation still.

A closer look at the comb. Clever Bees.

Plenty of syrup stored and to the left of the comb where they have capped it ready for later.

First frame of brood.

This frame is full of capped brood, eggs and larvae.

Mainly capped brood. In a few days these will hatch into new workers. Also the Queen is in this one!

Carefully placing the frame back.

My better half, Steph, being brave!