Found the bees clustering quietly outside the hive on Tuesday 4/19. Got nervous, texted my Bee Guy Ricky and he suggested that I remove the entrance reducer, as they might be a bit crowded in and out with all the new bee life and activity. Yes. I should have thought of that myself! (but being a Newbee, I didn't). Removing the entrance reducer almost immediately solved the issue and days later the bees are still using the original left-side entrance primarily, event though the entire bottom is available. cute.
So I use this glass dish filled with pretty rocks and rainwater for a bee water source and I love it! It is
on the (mostly cool and shaded) deck and it allows me to watch them drink and interact in a casual way. Notice that I don't keep it TOO clean...there is some natural debris, leaves, a piece of honeycomb (their fave), and they seem to like the natural set up.
