West Seattle wildlife: Honeybee-swarmed neighborhood

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

Yes, we count bees (and other insects/etc.) as wildlife too. So here’s an unusual sight, shared by Ute Herzel-Harding, whose block (3600 block of 46th SW, Genesee area) has drawn five honeybee swarms in three days – including the one shown above, with the honeybees almost appearing to be part of the hanging planter, which is what inspired Ute to share the photos (thanks!). Ute’s husband Mike Harding is a beekeeper and gathered them up for a new home:

The planter swarm turned up on Friday. Then on Saturday, another swarm on what Ute says otherwise was “a rather flimsy ash-tree branch”:

Here’s Mike:

(If you find a bee swarm, the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association website usually displays a list of who to call – we’ve tried it in multiple browsers and it’s not displaying for us – perhaps a bee-savvy WSB’er knows what’s up?)

Aman May 13, 2012 (3:54 pm)

BEEutiful story! Been out in the garden most of the day. Sadly, didn’t see many bees. Please send some to North Admiral.

(required) May 13, 2012 (4:18 pm)

I know some will say these pictues of bees swarming look creepy, and I am sure there are West Seattle neighbors who can die from bee stings — that said, I am thrilled to see backyard apiaries. While colony collapse disorder made headlines, many do not raise bees or do anything to encourage healthy bee populations to rise. I think there are a great many benefits to fostering homes to bees and responsibly operating apiaries for fun and even profit. Glad to see this here in West Seattle!

RichWSeattle May 13, 2012 (4:20 pm)

Did some poking around the PSBA site, and this seems to be the link for the “swarm list” (the list of who to call):

http://pugetsoundbees.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2012Swarmlist_2.pdf

ws_s May 13, 2012 (4:23 pm)

Wow — spectacular photos! Bees are very much part of our wildlife habitat. These images make me feel like all is well in our little corner of the world.

I’m not part of the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association but have had good success contacting them through their newsletter, which includes phone numbers and email addresses for their officers. This is from April, the latest newsletter posted on their website — http://pugetsoundbees.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/PSBANews2012-April-1.21.pdf

JayDee May 13, 2012 (4:50 pm)

That is somewhat propitious that a beekeeper lives in the same block where 3 honey bee swarms descended. One wonders why they chose that block? I am not complaining they didn’t come 10 blocks west….

Quinn May 13, 2012 (5:38 pm)

This is really cool I have to admit but I hate bees espically when they get into my house. And sting you and that stuff

Lfauntleroy May 13, 2012 (5:50 pm)

Wow! Great photos Ute!! And Hooray for Ute & Mike!!!

marty May 13, 2012 (7:45 pm)

Talk about a good buzz…..

west seattlite May 13, 2012 (7:57 pm)

I am one of those here in West Seattle that could die if stung by these suckers! But we need them…… And I encourage them to come to my yard in every way possible. I’m just very aware. But I’m not sure I want a swarm like that. But cool pics!

Kelly May 13, 2012 (8:42 pm)

We had lots of honeybees (and a few mason bees and bumblebees) in our garden today–nothing like the pictures here, of course! The honeybees seemed to prefer the rosemary bush I was weeding. It was delightful to be surrounded by them–they are so docile I never worry about getting stung.

HockeyWitch May 13, 2012 (8:44 pm)

Yikes!!! @(required), I am one of those people who can die from a bee sting.. Have Epi Pen.. will enjoy nature… Even though bees and I don’t get along so well, still love to see them out and about doing what bees do. They are an important part of nature, no doubt… But THAT is A LOT of bees…LOL. DANG! Better at thier house than mine ;)

cj May 13, 2012 (9:45 pm)

I had to laugh, that’s one happy looking bee keeper.

anotherbeekeeper May 14, 2012 (7:08 am)

The swarms are probably landing in Mike’s yard because their origins are probably his own hives. Swarms often don’t go far when they first take off.

Mike, you need to make some splits, stat!

Bill May 14, 2012 (9:12 am)

LOVE seeing news about bees in West Seattle and the Puget Sound Beekeepers Assoc. Important volunteers keeping poliinators healthy in our city. Thanks Blog!

Ute May 14, 2012 (9:20 am)

Just for the record, it was actually 3 swarms in 5 days, not the other way around. 2 of the swarms were from one of Mike’s hives and the third most likely from a hive across the street. We have 2 beekeepers on the block! This swarm collection business is fascinating, BTW, and super cool to watch. Great photo op as well :-)

bosslady May 14, 2012 (9:50 am)

That’s a honey of a swarm ;)

Don May 14, 2012 (12:18 pm)

Swarming is nothing new to me as a beekeeper but there have been times, such as this last week, when I wish I had my video camera. As I was standing in front of my garage cleaning some hives I began to hear a loud buzzing noise above my head. As I looked on, a cloud of honey bees drifted over the garage and began landing on a few empty hives at the inside edge of the garage. Within 10 minutes two of the stacks of hives were covered with bees. I knew finding the queen was going to be a problem but eventually the bees began gathering on a large Geranium pot just outside of the garage. At last I knew where to find the queen. I set up a hive with bottom board and shook the bees into the box. Those remaining about 5 feet from the hive then proceeded to march in rows toward the hive and within 30 minutes I had a new hive…much cheaper than buying the 2 or 3 pounds of bees from California.

dawsonct May 14, 2012 (3:03 pm)

If any keeper is getting a surplus of hives in their neighborhood and want to spread out, I have a chemical- and pesticide-free yard coming into bloom in a flower-filled neighborhood.
Ridge-top, full-sun location S. of Ak. Jct.

LivesInWS May 14, 2012 (4:04 pm)

Swarming honeybees are normally very, very gentle. Unless it’s cold, rainy, and they’ve been there for days. Honeybees sting when harmed — stepped on or crushed — or when trying to defend their hives. Swarming bees have no hive yet to defend. They send out scouts to check out options and then will move on.