Facinated with bees in Oklahoma

[Stingray]

I own five acres in rural Oklahoma and was lucky enough this year to have a feral swarm settle in one of my hollow trees. I spent all spring and summer observing and photographing these bees. The more I watched, the more I wanted to learn. Started buying bee-related books. I think I've read seven or eight now, still buying more. Recently discovered the American Bee Journal, of course I had to subscribe. The decision has been made, I'll be building hives over the winter and installing packages in the spring.

Anyway, I've learned a lot over the last six months, and I look forward to learning a lot more in the next six or so before the bees arrive and my real education begins.

Steve

[asprince]

Great name Steve! Welcome to the forum. How are the bees in the hollow tree doing? Do you plan to remove them?

Steve

[Stingray]

The opening into the hollow tree is only about one inch in diameter and it's a good twelve feet off the ground. I'm afraid I see no way of removing the colony, but they are welcome to live there. However, if this colony swarms next year I hope to be able to capture the swarm.

edit: as to how they are doing, they seem healthy. The colony is still very active and I don't have to search very long to find bees foraging on nearby wildflowers. As far as I can tell they're doing well. The picture in my avatar is one of my feral guests.

-S

[Doorman]

Hey Steve.
Where in OK are you? If your anywhere near Tulsa I'd like to invite you to come to the Northeast Oklahoma Beekeepers Assoc. We meet the second Monday of the month @ the OSU extension center on 15th. The December meeting will be on the third Monday due to a scheduling conflict. Also if your interested, our spring beginners class will be coming up in January of February.

Greg

[Stingray]

Hey Steve.
Where in OK are you? If your anywhere near Tulsa I'd like to invite you to come to the Northeast Oklahoma Beekeepers Assoc. We meet the second Monday of the month @ the OSU extension center on 15th. The December meeting will be on the third Monday due to a scheduling conflict. Also if your interested, our spring beginners class will be coming up in January of February.

Greg

I'm about 25 miles west of Tulsa, I'd definitely be interested in the meetings and the beginners class. Do you have a link for more info? Also if you know any local suppliers of nucs or packages, I'd love to know about them.

-S

[JP]

Steve, welcome and may I say, nice avatar! I have a friend that was born in Atoka, know where that is?

[Cindi]

Steve, you are hooked, you will never get out of the world of bees now.... .  You are going to learn lots and lots from our forum, one of the most wonderful learning tools imaginable.  Welcome.  Have a wonderful and great day.  Cindi