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To inform readers at a glance of new and/or important changes.
1) "BEE CHAT Q & A" will replace our monthly BEEGinners Group. BEE CHAT is for everyone of all levels (begginers to long time keepers) to join in the fun and chat about bees! No bees - no problem...MBBA is one big happy hive, we are here to talk bees!
2) BEE MOVIE NIGHT starting Sunday Feb 19, 2023 and going forward every 3rd Sunday at 6:00PM, there will be an educational presentation via Zoom. There will be different topics each month.
3) BULLETIN BOARD! Here you will find club offerings including special voluteener opportuinites and who to contact. You must be a current member to take advantage of what is listed in Bullentin Board. Also be sure to check out the 2 surveys; Small Hive Beettle and MBBA Blossom Survey!
4) DEAR APPY! Need advise or have a question regarding anything bee related? Ask Appy!
5) BEEBITS 2 BITS! A little of this and little to laugh at!
-> REMINDER ONLINE QUEEN REARING MEETING TONIGHT (FEB 8, 2023)
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Welcome Readers!
Not a member yet? Consider joining Mt. Baker Beekeepers Assocation (MBBA) - Whatcom County's premier beekeeping club!
If you were a member last year and have not yet renewed, please take advantage of how easy it is to renew - just click link below. Membership options for 2023;
Student/Non-Voting; $5
Family Plus/2 Votes; $41
Family/1 Vote;$31
Single/1 Vote; $21
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Monthly Meeting February 15, 2023
New -> BEE CHAT Q & A
DAY; 3rd Wednesday of the Month
TIME; 5:30 to 6:30PM
AGENDA; Lets chat bees! Open to ALL - not just for beginners!
HOW; In person and Zoom link is same as General Meeting link.
LOCATION; Ferndale Public Library, 2125 Main St, Ferndale, WA 98248
Main Club Meeting
DAY; 3rd Wednesday of the Month
TIME; 6:30 to 7:45PM
HOW; In person and Zoom link is same as General Meeting link.
LOCATION; Ferndale Public Library, 2125 Main St, Ferndale, WA 98248
AGENDA;
- General club info – Ruthie Danielsen, President
- Financial / Membership Report - Marco Hubert,Treasurer
- Shady Lane Apiary update - Dawn Beck, Vice President
- Queen Rearing update - Bill Buce, Queen Rearing Coordiantor
- Small Hive Beetle presentation - Jon Moore, Secretary
- Guest Speakers; Shelly Hoover will join us via zoom for a presentation on Spring Protein Feeding.
Meeting ID: 981 5467 0931
Passcode: Mpd9ed
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,98154670931#,,,,*071353# US (Tacoma)
+12532050468,,98154670931#,,,,*071353# US
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 981 5467 0931
Passcode: 071353
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kd9PMXNnY
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,98154670931#,,,,*071353# US (Tacoma)
+12532050468,,98154670931#,,,,*071353# US
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
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Speaker, Chris Looney Entomologist from WA State Department of Agriculture is pictured here with a few of our member who attended the January meeting!
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Queen Rearing Meeting February 8, 2023
DATE; 2nd Wednesday of the Month
TIME; 7PM
HOW; ZOOM
LOCATION; ZOOM
ZOOM LINK
One tap mobile
+12532050468,,86841834582#,,,,*693634# US
+12532158782,,86841834582#,,,,*693634# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 868 4183 4582
Passcode: 693634
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kc6CncB0Do
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Monthly Board Meeting February 22, 2023
Board Meetings are held monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the Month, and are conducted via Zoom. Club members are encourage to come sit in on board meetings and are welcome to comment during the Open Forum session, which is the first 30 minutes of the board meeting.
-> CLICK HERE FOR OPEN FORUM GUIDELINES
DATE; 4th Wednesday of the Month
TIME; 7PM
HOW; ZOOM
LOCATION; ZOOM
ZOOM LINK;
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/99974862107?pwd=UkZxU20vR21jTGdhVGloeHU3bzcxdz09
Meeting ID: 999 7486 2107
Passcode: 651803
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,99974862107#,,,,*651803# US (Tacoma)
+12532050468,,99974862107#,,,,*651803# US
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 999 7486 2107
Passcode: 651803
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kiPA1BTaz
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EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS AND/OR EVENTS
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Pollen Paddy Demo February 05,2023
NOTE; Our appologies, due to change in date, from orginial date of Feb 14 to Feb 05, this event occured prior to BeeBits publication. This event was posted on Facebook. Thanks to those that came out on short notice!
WHAT; Dawn Beck MBBA Vice President to demo pollen feeding at Shadey Lane Apiary. Discussions on reasons for feeding pollen.
See photos below that were taken at this event.
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NEW -> Sunday Night Bee Movie! February 19, 2023
This first presentation will be given by Jon Moore all about the small hive beetle. Identification, behaviors etc.
-> If you have seen SHB's in your hives, please participate in SHB Survey. CLICK HYPERLINK email address to respond to complete; president@mtbakerbeekeepers.org.
TOPIC: Small Hive Beetles
DATE: Feb 19, 2023
TIME: 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
HOW; ZOOM
LOCATION; ZOOM
ZOOM LINK;
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Beginning Beekeeper Course
DATE/TIME; February 4, 11, 18, and 25
Thank you to those that signed up for the February Beginning Beekeeper Course! Registration is now closed.
Interested in possible future course - contact Jon Moore; secretary@mtbakerbeekeepers.org
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OTHER BEEKEEPER ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
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Skagit Valley Beekeepers Association
When; 2nd Thursday monthly
Where; Burlington Library, 820 E Washington Ave, Burlington WA
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SnoKing Beekeepers Association
When; 3rd Wednesday monthly
Where; Zoom meetings - SEE Website for more information
WASBA Beekeeping Classes; YES- Online classed start in January
Website; https://www.snokingbeekeepers.org/
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Canada - Langley Bee Club
WHAT; This club is part of the South Fraser Branch of the BC Honey Producers Association (BCHPA)
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Interview with Featured Beekeeper of the Month
Every month we feature an beekeeper, learn a little about their beekeeping journey and share their story.
In celebration of Valentines Day, I had the fabulous opportunity to speak with our Beekeepers of the Month; Brett and Susan Delawter!
We hope you enjoy their story, as much as I did conducting the interview!
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Interview with Featured Beekeepers of the Month;
Brett and Susan Delawter!
MBBA Member; 3.5 years.
MBBA Activity; Dedicated club members who have come to MBBA meetings and participate in field day activities. For the past several years, Susan and Brett have both been Honey Judges at at the Skagit Fair and this year they will be honey judges at the Lynden Fair. Additionally, Susan is Skagit Valley Beekeepers Association (SVBA) secretary for 3 years and husband Brett is President at SVBA.
I started my interview, by asking them to tell me how they got you into Beekeeping? Susan told me that she always wanted to be a beekeeper and as an avid gardener she knew her garden needed pollination. However, it all started when one of her neighbors, who happened to be a beekeeper of 42 years, invited her over when he was going through a hive. Five stings later (in the face) she went home…. As one would think that being stung 5 times in the face could be a bit discouraging…however the very next day Susan went to the neighbors (to his surprise!) and she laughingly says “Why, wouldn’t I come back!”. Susan then took some bee classes, and joined a local beekeeping association (Inland Empire Beekeepers Association).
Brett, says that Susan was his mentor and they thoroughly enjoy their quality of time going through the hives together. Each one of them goes through a hive and it becomes a fun competition!
As this is the first couple I have interviewed, I asked them if they have the same or different style in keeping bees? Brett responded that he probably tries to do it quickly, and Susan equals things out by slowing things down. Per Susan adds in that Brett being a retired dentist, really likes to clean propolis off frame extra good like a good dental cleaning!
I asked why do you keep bees? Per Susan, they keep bees for Pollination. She also said that they do not sell their honey, but give all their honey away as gifts, to family, and neighbors.
When asked about tips for new beekeepers; Study one year before you do it, do research, take a beekeeping course, then wait one year. Also knowing that keeping bees, is an symbiotic relationship and we have to protect them from animals and viruses! It's an serious commitment! Other tips include become a part of local bee club and getting a mentor keeps you moving forwards.
Asking what is been the best part of beekeeping? Susan says this gives us time together – adds to our marriage, one more thing in common, it is fun and we both enjoy it! Also the fun part is being part of the bee club, teaching people about beekeeping.
I then asked what do you think about joining a beekeeping club? They replied it is essential to be successful at beekeeping – the COOL things about a club, ask the same question to 10 people with 10 different answers/opinions applications to it. It’s like a buffet! Helps you go forward faster, people are there to help you work through it, it is not a social club, but about building relationships. We have all failed at beekeeping, and in the bee club someone will say let me help you!
Thank you Bret and Susan for your time and devotion to MBBA and your dedication to BEES!
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March is Women's History Month, and for BeeBits, we will feature women beekeepers!
Do you know of an MBBA beekeeper, who could be considered for "Featured Beekeeper of the Month"? If so, please send members name to; beebits@mtbakerbeekeepers.org.
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Bulk Buys
Save and lets buy bulk supplies! Interesting in buying mite treatments or pollen patties or other various bee related needs? Contact Daryl at; Daryl@mtbakerbeekeepers.org
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Small Hive Beetle Survey
Have you seen small hive beetles (SHB) in your hives? If yes, and you would like to participate in this simple survey email Ruthie Danielsen; president@mtbakerbeekeepers.org
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MBBA Blossom Survey
We all know how important blossoms are to the bees! We have created an Blossom Survey for club members to complete when you see the first blossom. CLICK HERE to access the Survey link.
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Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association is so very fortunate to have an Club Apiary. It is here we hold activities/educational events, and picnics. Dawn Beck, MBBA Vice President and Apiary Coordinator routinely provides oversight to the club hives.
On Febuary 5, 2023 she provided the hives with pollen paddies. Questions about club apiary; vicepresident@mtbakerbeekers.org
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Shady Lane pollinator garden was planted by Brad Otto from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. He manages the the Shady Lane area (and others) and we are very grateful to his continued efforts and coordination with MBBA to faciliate club activies at Shady Lane Club Apiary.
Pollinators that have been planted include; buckwheat, barley and fava beans. Brad also did a show and tell with us at a field day about some of the plants already growing out there.
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BEEKEEPER EYE, MBBA BLOSSOM SURVEY AND POLLEN
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"Beekeepers Eye"
Beekeepers have what I call "Beekeepers Eye". No... not a puffy eye (from being stung) but beekeepers have a keen eye look out for upcoming blossoms in relationship to what time of year it is.This information is important! Big Leaf Maple, one of the early spring nectar sources for bees but what else?
Big Leave Maple Photo credit; Bill Buce.
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1st Annual Blossom Survey
The keen beekeeper has their Beekeeper Eye watching for blossoms and wondering what, when and where will see blossoms. With this in mind, we are inviting all MBBA club members to complete the MBBA FIRST ANNUAL BLOSSOM SURVEY!
We are collecting information on the very first blossom you see of an tree, bush, plant. This way we can put together a collection of the when various trees, bushes, plants start to bloom.
The Survey is is quick and easy. Information collected will be tallied each month and posted in BeeBits. Your personal information i.e. name, will not be posted. Here is what the MBBA Blossom Survey is looking for;
1) That you are a current member
2) Your name and email address
3) Date you saw the blossom for the first time
4) What type of blossom did you see and you can enter name of plant if you know it
5) Color of blossom
6) General location
7) Upload a photo if you would like of the blossom - uour photo may be posted on BeeBits!
Question.
What if I see one type of blossom, then the next day I see a blossom on a different tree, bush or plant, can I complete this survey again?
Yes, you can complete the survey as often as you would like for each new type of blossom you see.
Every month this information will be tallied and be posted in BeeBits. It is a simple survey which we believe will be of interest to current beekeepers and interesting for future reference
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS MBBA Blossom Survey.
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See below for informative excerpts and links on pollen and nectar
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Sources: Ayers and Harman, 2008, The Hive and the Honey Bee, Bee Forage of North American and the Potential for Planting for Bees, Dadant. Burgett, Stringer and Johnston, 1989, Nectar and Pollen Plants of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, Honeystone Press. NASA website: http://honeybeenet.gsfc.nasa.gov/Honeybees/ForageRegion.php; downloaded March 1, 2001 Compiled for Master Beekeeper Research Paper by Franclyn Heinecke, 2011
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February Beekeeper Checklist (not too different from January...)
Remember ask 10 beekeepers in a room what to do, and you may get 10 difference answers!
1. Determine if the hive is alive (flying bees on Sunny days or warmish days).
2. Clean bottom boards/Ensure hive entrance is not blocked with dead bees and debris.
4. If screened bottom boards, check/clean slider.
5. If you use Oxalic Acid Vaporization (OAV) complete winter mite treatments as directed.
6. Make sure your hives have adequate ventilation.
7. You can do emergency feeding top off if with honey, bee candy or raw sugar (boards)...if necessary, can do pollen patties.
8. Use this time to build, repair or buy equipment, and or supplies including pollen patties for upplemental spring feeding.
9.Good time begin preparation for Spring mite treatments ie develop your plan/purchase supplies.
10. Order bee packages or nucs if you know what you will need.
If the hive has died try to determine why;
a. Remove the hive from your apiary
b. You can take pictures as you break open the boxes; frames and of dead bees to document (jog your memory at a later date…)
c. If it appears to be an wax moth issues place frames in freezer 48 to 72 hours/3 days outside in freezing weather to kill wax moth prior to storage.
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Have you seen them? Small Hive Beetles (SHB)....
BE SURE TO TAKE THE EASY TO USE SHB SURVEY
MBBA is working with Department of Agriculture and Dr. Chris Looney in order to collect as much information as possible on SHB.
If you have see the SHB in your colony, MBBA encourages you to participate in this SHB Survey. All you have to do is look below at the 5 questions, click on hyperlink email and enter your answers to these questions and hit send. CLICK HYPERLINK to respond to the questions; president@mtbakerbeekeepers.org.
1. When: Years and approximate dates or seasons
2. Where: Location of hive(s)
3. Duration: How long did they stay?
4. Treatment: What did you use to manage them?
5. Persistence: Do you still have SHB's in your hives?
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Dear Appy:
Old Age and Bees
I am a thinking about getting bees, but I'm confused about how old bee's can get? Can you tell me how long my bees will live?
Old Age and Bees
Dear Old:
That is absolutely great you are thinking about getting bees! I can give you a few basic bee 101 information, but I think that you should really visit your local bee club association and take a beginning course in beekeeping.
Here is some basic information, about how long your bees will live. After the bees emerge (get born), you should have 3 kinds of bees in your hive. Per Sanford, M. T. & Bonney, R. E.,(2018)the honey bee lifespan is as follows;
1) The Honey bee Queen can live up to several years
2) Worker Bees can live meer weeks to months
3) Drones (the male bee) live 40-50 days
Only the Honey bee Queen has the potential to live a long time (up to 2 years). I hope this helps and do take a class on beekeeping, it will be benficial to you.
Cheers,
Appy
Apigail Van Bee
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References;
Sanford, M. T. & Bonney, R. E.,(2018). Storey's guide to keeping honey bees, Storey Publishing.
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Do you have a question or looking for advice on anything bee related, that you would like Appy to consider publishing in BeeBits? Note your question may be slightly motified for publication and your name will be held confidential.
Email Appy at; Dear_Appy@mtbakerbeekeepers.org
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CLASSIFIED ADS, RESOURCES, PROMOTIONAL
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Classified Ads
For QUESTIONS regarding listed item(s) - contact seller directly.
IMPORTANT - please READ MBBA Disclamier at end of ads.
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NEW LISTING FEB 2023; Bees
True local 10-frame nucs. $275 + new frames. Available end of May. Contact me to reserve your nuc(s). Details: whatcombeehelp.com/nucs-for-sale
Carniolan-style, bred specifically for Whatcom County beekeeping conditions since 2010.
Also, individual queens available mid-July. Complete 2-box Langstroth hives available spring & summer 2023 by arrangement.
Contact; Michael Jaross; 360 - 483-9754 michaeljaross@gmail.com
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NEW LISTING FEB 2023;
Bees and Equipment
2023 5-frame Nucleus Colony, Open-mated Carniolan queens. Ideally suited for our Pacific Northwest weather. Queens are Professionally Bred in Northern California for Gentleness, Size and Honey Production. Ready mid to late April 2023. $185 + tax. 50% deposit required. Full beekeeping support via phone, text, monthly newsletter and social media included with purchase.
Beekeeping Equiptment and Supplies. Everything needed for hobbyists and sideliners, alike.Quality products and low prices. Contact: Les Scott, Les's Bees 360-303-0396 leszbees.com
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NEW LISTING FEB 2023; Bees
2023 Nucs are $180, they will be available mid April.
Contact; Seth Smith, 360-770-0481
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NEW LISTING FEB 2023; Bees
Nucs for sale, 2nd half of April, $185, 4 strong frames of brood, 1 additional spacer frame in box, new Carniolan queen.
Contact; Rob Rienstra via TEXT 360-820-1369.
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DISCLAIMER; All information on the Site [and our mobile application] is provided in good faith, however Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site [or our mobile application].
Under no circumstance shall Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site [or our mobile application] or reliance on any information provided on the site [and our mobile application]. Your use of the site [and our mobile application] and your reliance on any information on the site [and our mobile application] is solely at your own risk.
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Did you know that in 2022 we had 168 members! Our Facebook group has over 680 members and BeeBits Newsletters goes out to over 365 people!
BeeBits Classified section for Club Members to list; locally based bees, beekeeping equipment and supplies.Once you list you item, be sure to update BeeBits Editor every month to renew your item; BeeBits@mtbakerbeekeepers.org.
To list your item; CLICK LINK BELOW TO START YOUR LISTING!
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Bee Buddies
Are you a current member in need of a little beekeeping guidance? MBBA has experienced member who are available to volunteer their beekeeping knowledge to help guide you. Don't be shy - give them a call or text! See the list of beekeepers below who are available from below;;
Russell Deptuch - Decades experienced in Ferndale WA. 360-815-3989.
Daryl Hill - Experienced beekeeper for over 9 years. 360-319-6099. Phone/text ok.
Marco Hubert - 12 years beekeeping experience. NE Bellingham area. 360-739-7364. Phone/text ok.
Kelly Thompson - 7 years beekeeping beginner, Bellingham WA. 360-739-2053. Phone/text ok, email best; kelly@justenough.biz
ISO Bee Buddies: Are you an experienced beekeeper, current MBBA member and would like to volunteer as an Bee Buddy, email us at beebits@mtbakerbeekeepers.org.
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MBBA T- Shirts are $17 each
Support Your Bee Club!
Item is available for purchase at all club meetings, functions and field days.
Special thanks to Chris Aanestad for putting the design and order together!
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MBBA mugs are $12 each
Support Your Bee Club!
Item is available for purchase at all club meetings, functions and field days.
Special thanks to J. Moore for organizing! Mt Baker photo; G. Buce.
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<-NEW-> Word of the MONTH;
Phenology
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FYI MBBA AND SOCIAL MEDIA!
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Benefits of
Social Media!
Draws attention to our fundraisers, educational opportunies and recruitment of new members! Contributes to building the community by generating awareness about our organization's objectives, and mission statement!
Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram and NEW Twitter account!
CLICK ON ICONS BELOW
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Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The specific aims and objectives of the MBBA are as follows: a. to educate beekeepers, prospective beekeepers and the general public about apiculture, b. to promote sustainable beekeeping and science based management practices, c. to protect honeybees, d. to promote synergistic relations with other beekeeper, horticultural, agricultural organizations, e. to advance good relations between beekeepers and the public. 2023 Board of Directors;
Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association is managed by the Board of Directors, utilizing Bylaws as a tool to manage club business. Officers are also Board Members. Thank you all for participating in the Annual Meeting! At this meeting the MBBA Leadership Team were elected for 2023 Board of Directors.
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