Into the Bee Hive
Nature Preserve Officer, Wendy Leonard, oversees operations in Phil Hardberger Park and other natural areas in San Antonio. She is also a beekeeper and takes care of five hives. Today, she shows us the inside of one of her youngest hives.
This hive is one year old and is located in Pipe Creek near Medina Lake.
These bees are "fanners" and are using their wings to fan at the entrance to regulate hive temperature. The bees fan air in or out depending on the need. The hive "core" tries to maintain a temperature of around 90 F. If it is cold outside, they huddle and shiver. If it is too hot, they stand at the entrance and use their wings to fan air into the hive.
The foragers, which are the oldest worker bees are all female. They bring in pollen, honey, water, and other products the hive may need. Some can be identified by the pollen in their pollen sacs (where their "knees" would be.)
Wendy has been beekeeping for about six years. She recommends to anyone interested in getting started in beekeeping to check out the Texas Master Beekeeping program, the Texas Apiary Service, or join the local Alamo Area Beekeeping Association.