Chateau bees.
It’s not unusual to get called out to bee swarms and
colonies between the windows and shutters of French houses. After all, it's an
ideal space if the shutters are closed.
The other day I was called to one in a Chateau, all very straightforward, with a nice-sized window for the Ruchette, (small hive box).
Victoria, the woman from the Chateau, wondered if they had
come from the bees in the large section of Lime tree trunk from the tree that
they had cut down in the late autumn. Immediately she had my attention, and so the
story unfolded. It seems the tree had to be cut down as it had become dangerous, having split in a storm. They insisted that the section with the bees in it be
cut out in one large piece, and this was later moved to a suitable location in
the grounds, with the open ends covered up to provide protection but with enough
gaps for the bees to come and go. Walking down to where it was, I was impressed
by the size of it and although it was laid flat on the ground, the bees had obviously
made the necessary adjustments and were happily going about their business.
Click on images to enlarge.
Maybe not the standard idea of a log hive
Then it turns out there is another honeybee colony high up
in one of the chateau towers walls, which it seems is always occupied by bees.
Of course, this may not be a continuous occupation. More likely that from time
to time the colony fails and the space attracts a future swarm as is usually
the case.
Honeybee colony in the tower wall, entrance circled in red.
The colony that had set up home between the window and
shutters was easy enough. They had been there a couple of weeks or probably a
little more. Strangely, there was quite a lot of brood but no honey and only a
little pollen. They are now safely in my
apiary where they are very busy on the Sweet Chestnut that has just started to
flower.
Ruchette in the window, bees happily inside and waiting for me to take them away.
I must add that it’s a great joy to meet people who care
about the other creatures we live with and make every effort to accommodate
them. Their buildings and grounds are a little wildlife haven.
Chris