Partygoers Greet Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

[BEES4U]

The Summer Solstice is also a very important date in bee keeping.

Partygoers Greet Solstice at Stonehenge By NARDINE SAAD, AP
A weak cheer went up as dawn broke over the Heel Stone, a pockmarked pillar at the edge of the stone circle that is aligned with the rising sun.
Regards,
Ernie

[rickomatic]

the Summer Solstice is also a very important date in bee keeping.

................Because??????

[BEES4U]

................Because??????
It has the opposite effect on bees as 12/21/09 ( In this hemisphere.)
I will wait for some replies before I give a full answer.
Ernie

[beedeetee]

My observations of bees over the years seem to show that bees tend to go from reproduction (swarming as their number one goal) to winter preparation and protection of their honey.

They will be more defensive of their hive, the queen will be more apt to slow any time less nectar comes in, they will be less apt to swarm from here on out.

When the days start getting longer in December the opposite happens. They are not so defensive and apt to sting, they may use all of their honey for reproduction and if they get the chance they will swarm.

So the solstice's seem to be the turning points in their lives.

[Tom G. Laury]

Day length is a guide to the seasons. In the world of bees, the season for colony growth is ending and the time for gathering stores has begun. Queens are reducing the rate of egg laying, hard to believe but true.In only 30 days +- (Aug 1) the "bee year" will begin anew with autumn build up in preparation for the following spring. Here in California, it is not too early to plant seeds for winter vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and so on.

[Hambone]

I will start feeding and pollen patties (or close to) 12/22/09 I will have just a touch more sunlight that day.

[BEES4U]

Thank you for the replies!
Please keep them buzzing along.
Ernie

[BEES4U]

I will add an important detail.
What influences the blue gum eucalyptus to flower?
Ernie

[Hambone]

I will add an important detail.
What influences the blue gum eucalyptus to flower?

10+ hours of sunlight?

[Tom G. Laury]

This turning of the days is very interesting to me. Day length is a trigger for many living things. Blue gum & other Eucs: Ernie I have often wondered if they bloom in summer below the equator and winter above it, like in Calif.

BEES4U I was hoping you might be adding to this thread.

Just imagine all the horrible things those party goers were doing the night before. Makes me shiver.