Newb with some questions

[c10250]

I purchased a deep full of bees, honey, pollen, etc. and have a few questions regarding their behavior. I am a total newb here, but have been actively researching for months.

Can you guys take a look at this video and hopefully answer a couple of questions. YOU CAN CLICK THE HD BUTTON TO VIEW IN HD if your computer has the horsepower.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifq6g5wCa1k


1. Is this normal entrance behavior for a mid-afternoon hive. I'm assuming there's a lot of orienting going on here, and hopefully no robbing.

2. That BIG black bee exiting the hive, and landing for a second on the board (at 13 second). . is that a drone? I have Italians and am wondering about those big black bees.

3. Finally, opinions on the water source (creek) and not my pool! You can see my pool in the background. Hopefully they will leave it alone!


Thanks!

Ken

[Hambone]

1) Looks normal to me
2) Looks like a drone. Maybe an older one that has darkened
3) Try posting a NO BEES ALLOWED signs around the pool. :D

[berkshire bee]

looks like normal activity. From what I could tell, it's a drone. If you watch closely you'll see the guard bees checking the workers as they come in. If you don't have a large population, you can reduce the entrance some to make it easier for them to guard the hive. Loks like you have 2 good water sources. Hopefully they won't pick the pool. good luck

[c10250]

thanks.

[bnatural]

Looks good. Wait until August, then watch that video again for comparison.

Jeepers, be careful backing up, when you're pulling supers later this year! That's a BIG first step to the creek.

Bill