Because of honeybees

snapping turtle

snapping turtle

Trapping bees has given me an opportunity to witness some interesting things over the years. It’s easy to get preoccupied with the beekeeping and forget to mention some of the other things I have seen just because I was OUTSIDE MORE due to beekeeping. I have seen more foxes, owls, deer, possums, frogs, crayfish, turtles and many other animal species I don’t normally see. Swarm trap recovery is normally done after dark. In the past dark was a time to come IN. Being outside at night opens your mind to the fact that LIFE is happening out there ALL THE TIME!

20160423_010857_wm

Northern Leopard Frog – i think

A couple of weeks ago while hanging traps I was able to see something really neat. It was a first for me and if I had known that they were considered a SPECIES OF SPECIAL concern in Indiana I would have taken a better picture! I believe I saw a Plains Leopard Frog. [actually Northern Leopard Frog – see comments below, not anything THAT special)  It was an awesome little specimen anyway. Given the time of year I think it was out looking for love. These apparently aren’t as rare, but I HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE BEFORE….. EVER! So thanks bees!

box tortoise

Beekeeping has taught me to appreciate many things I never gave a crap about before. It’s made me understand beauty when I see “weeds”, the need for diversity, and the importance of HABITAT. Apis mellifera has also shown me that they are a hardy, adaptable, tenacious species that can overcome obstacles if given the opportunity and LEFT ALONE to do it. One of the biggest hurdles for any life form is habitat destruction.

20160503_202101_wmChanging our mindset will not only help bees, but also all other creatures. If bees are found in a cavity is leaving them alone an option?  Attempt to trap the swarms they throw off. View them as an important RENEWABLE resource in the Feral Reserve of bees living in your community. As years pass and that colony swarms out repeatedly being bred with local drones a more and more resilient variety is created that becomes MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. This maximizes their ability to survive and be productive without intervention.

I will be reverting to my “normal” (hopefully weekly) posting schedule next week. I have a lot going on right now and will until probably the second (or third) week of June. This is the busy time of year.  If you want to see what’s happening on a more frequent basis, LIKE the LetMBee.com page on Facebook. If I can take a picture of something beekeeping related I normally do. I frequently make quick posts there. Also look into signing up for e-mail updates below.  That way you get an e-mail every time I make an update here at LetMBee.

I’m always open for questions/comments
Hope you are having a great weekend.  GET OUT THERE AND CATCH SOME BEES!


 

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2 Responses to Because of honeybees

  1. Mary Al Bruns says:

    Jon costanzo, the frog expert, says that is northern leopard frog. He says the western plains leopard frog is no further east than the border of indiana/illinois. He is the expert on all kinds of frogs.

    • Jason says:

      Good to know. I’ll have to update that crap when I get home.

      Could you tell him to email the Indiana DNR? They claim they live here. Led me down the wrong path. 🙂

      Thanks for the facts checking Mary.

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