Pileated Woodpecker

I have used this woodpecker suet feeder for several years. This male Pileated Woodpecker, in all this time of watching, has never used this side of the feeder. There is another hanging feeder next to this one and I assume they did not like the obstacle.
They are big birds and come flying in like a 747. Amazing how they can move through the landscape. To give reference of the size, there are two suet cakes in the feeder. They are each four inches tall.
 If you notice underneath the suet, the board hanging down. Woodpeckers need this to push off the feeder to get airborne. You can see the tail planted against the board.

Sale on all winter patties

Closeout sale on all in stock 40 lb boxes of winter patties
Sale price $39.95 per box regular price is $60.00.
Also, 2 winter patties for $4.00, while supplies last. Normally $5.00

Sperm bank for bees

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/02/08/honey-bee-sperm-bank-research-fargo

Cold this week

It will be cold through Friday this week. This is the danger time for colonies in the upper Midwest. Several nights near or below zero. There is more than likely brood in the hives now as queens probably have started to lay eggs.
   Bees that are on frames with ample honey stores,  should be fine.
 If the bees are on a frame that is depleted of honey stores, there is a possibility of starvation. Many beekeepers have put on candy boards with fondant, or winter patties. Hopefully adding this emergency food can get colonies over this spike of cold weather.
 For now, it will be wait and see. A week from now, the 15th of February, the forecast high is finally near freezing around 30 degrees.  That will be the day to see if the hives have survived.
Long term extended forecast after this week, looks perfect for colony survival.

Looked at my bees this last weekend

I looked at my bees over the last weekend. Most of them are alive and looking very good. I did add more winter patties as they have been eating them up. Some of the hives are light on food and I hope to get them through the upcoming below zero weather that is on the horizon.

Added more winter patties

This colony looks great. A large number of bees. They have been going after the winter patties.

A mouse made a nest on top of one of my moisture boards. It was under the telescoping cover, not in the hive.

Backyard Beekeeping Class - Century College

Backyard beekeeping class at Century College. Century College is located off of 694 and Century Ave in White Bear Lake.

2/11/2016-4/7/2016

Weekly - Thu

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

White Bear Lake, Century East Campus  Map, Room: 2313

Robert Sitko

Registration Closes On: February 11, 2016 12:00 AM

Master Beekeeper Bob Sitko has taught this class for 10 years. The nice thing about Bob's class is that it is over eight nights. It gives the students ample time to absorb and discuss beekeeping in detail.

New Office Hours

We will now start having some regular hours in February.
Open Friday 9 am - 4 pm, Saturday 9 am - 4 pm.
If this doesn't work, call and make an appointment for another time.
Our hours will expand again in later February.
You can call us anytime if you have a question.