... and I thought you'd like to see.
It's called bearding and I think they're doing it because they're out of room inside. Bees also do it when they're hot, but I don't think that's the case here - it hasn't been that hot today, and I think they have plenty of top and bottom ventilation. And bearding because they're hot would mean they'd go back in once the evening cools down. I first noticed them doing it about five this afternoon. I just went out to check, an hour after dark, and they're still doing it.

When I first got them home two weeks ago I put out a hummingbird feeder of sugar syrup, but they haven't been much interested in it. There are a lot of Gallardia (Indian Blankets) and Horsemint (Monarda citriodora) blooming. Acres and acres of it just across the fence from them. I think they're working those flowers and packing the existing hive body full. The Horsemint is a cousin of Bee Balm, so I'm not too surprised it's so popular.
When I got them, the box contained eight frames and a frame feeder. I wanted to leave them alone for a good while before mucking around in their home. (Okay, okay - that's not really true. Yeah, I did want to get in there that first day, but learned my lesson then. *snicker*). It's been twelve days. I've seen beekeepers recommend waiting at least ten days after moving a hive before you go open it up. I think it's time.
So I've got my plan ready. Smoke the entrance and wait a couple minutes. Lift the lid and set it aside. Pry out the feeder. Pry out the frames and inspect them one by one. I'll be looking for a nice brood pattern, along with some pollen and honey.
Then I'll take one frame of comb out of the bottom box and put it in a new box full of empty frames. I'll put two empty frames back in the middle of the full box - one to replace the feeder and one to replace the frame I remove. That full frame acts like a ladder for the bees to climb to the top of the new box and it's frames. They like to work from the top down, and don't like flying up there. I guess they bump their heads if they try.
Once I get that top box set on just right, I'll put the notched inner cover on and top the whole shebang with a plastic hive lid. I got it for my birthday a few years ago from Kelly and Billy, friends who gave me their entire old hive. That's the white one sitting next to my new one. Great birthday present, huh? I certainly think so. I've read other beekeepers' posts on forums, those from hot climates, who say the plastic tops keep too much heat in. I'll keep an eye on it. I have a backup plan - a piece of corrugated tin and a rock. Fancy.
So Rhonda's coming over early tomorrow to be moral support and run the camera. Wish me luck!
good luck honey ! I love reading ur stuff.
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