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We start our bee tree hunt by luring the bees to us with honeycomb bait.
Once they have loaded up with nector, they head off in a "bee line" directly towards their hive.
Date: 01/27/2006
Views: 211
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When the bee rises from the bait container, it will circle until it finds its bearings.
Once oriented, the bee will fly directly towards the bee tree. What you have to do is get an accurate compass bearing of the direction the bee flys.
Date: 01/30/2006
Views: 204
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Getting a good compass bearing is nowhere as easy as one would think. Can you see the bee against the cloudy background?
Not only is the wind a factor in coursing bees, but the current sky conditions affect your ability to keep track of a departing bee.
Date: 01/30/2006
Views: 231
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Once a good course is obtained, you then follow that course on foot, through woods, briars and brambles for a goodly distance.
Here, you will want to set out some more bait, in order to attract the bee once again.
Date: 01/30/2006
Views: 180
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Here is a piece of honeycomb that is used for bait. You will saturate the honeycomb with sugar-water and anise.
It seem that this combination is a sure fire way to attract the bees in a hurry.
Date: 01/30/2006
Views: 176
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Here, Jasper (or Jay, for short), hangs plastic containers spiked with the bait.
It is best if you can find an opening in the woods to hang the containers.
Date: 01/30/2006
Views: 171
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Jay is checking the honeycomb in the traps, looking for bees.
If the honeycomb begins to dry out, Jay moistens it with the sugar-water solution.
Date: 01/30/2006
Views: 168
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One liter plastic beverage bottles make great bait containers.
They are tough and light, they are free, and if you cut them as in this picture, they will keep the honeycomb dry in the rain.
Date: 01/30/2006
Views: 185
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Hey, this really does work! Before long the bees arrive.
They will stay until they have taken on a full load of nector, then back to the hive they go.
Date: 01/30/2006
Views: 175
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