speaking of bees...

See some really cool bee videos here - http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/201012245

This is so cool, thanks for posting it!

I don't think I'll go sticking my arm into a massive swarm of wild bees, LOL.

This is a good one... Bees in the wooden barrel - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL4pljKFxyU

SilentTala wrote:
I don't think I'll go sticking my arm into a massive swarm of wild bees, LOL.

Bees are not aggressive when swarming or foraging - only when defending an established hive. But if you don't feel comfortable about wearing a bee-beard, leave that to the professionals and the crazy. 

I just finished reading Honeybee Democracy, by the guy who did these videos. Absolutely fascinating book about bee behavior, specifically how a hive of tiny-brained insects brains manage to make unanimous decisions.

Some book I read on beginning beekeeping contained the introductory statement "You are about to get emotionally involved with a bunch of bugs"

They are astounding little creatures, and now I hate to see even one dead fuzzy body.

jacque g wrote:

They are astounding little creatures, and now I hate to see even one dead fuzzy body.

I adore bees, though I do not raise them.  We have a feral hive in a tree on our place.  Today I was doing some painting on a rabbit hutch and the bees were coming around attracted to the smell of the paint.  I was so worried about them!  But they didn't seem to get into the paint enough to be injured (I hope!  )

Part of my land plan is to improve forage for the bees, especially in winter.

Yes, as soon as we have a better water supply (sometime this year I hope), flowers are on the agenda.