During a logging operation along the Oregon Coast this Hemlock was found to have a bee hive.
If you’ve ever built anything using wood, chances are it came from a forest in the Pacific Northwest. Douglas Fir, (scientific name Pseudotsuga menziesii), is an incredibly valuable commercial timber, widely used in construction and building purposes. A high percentage of Doug Fir grows in Oregon and is brought to the mills by loggers. Logging is the 2nd most dangerous job in America.
During a logging operation, one of the heavy equipment operators noticed a hive of bees in a hollow log. Wanting to follow in the footsteps of his beekeeping mother, he asked Hal to transfer the bees to a hive box. I’ve never been involved with a ‘cut-out,’ so when Hal asked if I was interested, I jumped at the chance.
Natural comb can be seen in his hollow log.
Hal reaches in to cut out the first comb
The first comb is put into the Lang.
One comb at a time is transferred to the Langstroth frames. The pre-mounted rubber bands around the frame hold the comb in place.
Hal, extreme right, did the ‘heavy lifting,’ reaching in and cutting the combs out. Patti and Amber helped with the frames and tied string loops while Rod worked the smoker. The cameraman is on the left.
Pollen-packing bees after a long rainy spell, 5-31-13
A video shows all the action.
The next challenge…
A hive under tree house on steep slope
These bees swarmed up here “not that long ago and built comb like crazy” according to the owner. He’d like to get it removed so the kids can feel safe in the tree house above.
Adventures in Natural Beekeeping 