On a very hot summer day you can observe the worker bees at the hive entrance fanning their wings to keep the hive at the necessary temperature - 90-97 degrees Fahrenheit -- for raising brood, as well as to evaporate the water from the nectar to help turn it into honey. It is amazing to see how these tiny creatures brace themselves on their legs in a hunched-over position, remaining in position as they are jostled by other workers and drones coming and going, and even by would-be invaders such as yellow jackets and bumblebees. Single-minded in their devotion to their task, they leave it to the guard bees to chase away potential robbers.
Friday, August 31, 2007
The incredible miracle of the bees' work
On a very hot summer day you can observe the worker bees at the hive entrance fanning their wings to keep the hive at the necessary temperature - 90-97 degrees Fahrenheit -- for raising brood, as well as to evaporate the water from the nectar to help turn it into honey. It is amazing to see how these tiny creatures brace themselves on their legs in a hunched-over position, remaining in position as they are jostled by other workers and drones coming and going, and even by would-be invaders such as yellow jackets and bumblebees. Single-minded in their devotion to their task, they leave it to the guard bees to chase away potential robbers.
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For honey bee-ignorant people such as me, it would be neat to get a very short explanation of the basics: does the nectar turn into honey by itself or do the bees amend it in some way? What is the pollen for? Why do they drag the drones out? When do the baby bees hatch (is that what they even do)? etc etc I love your information and observations!
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