Honey Bee Tree

We've had some high winds here and the top of this large pine tree came down.

The pine tree had snapped off about 15 feet above the ground.

While inspecting the fallen tree I could see some honey comb inside the hollow tree.

After taking some measurements inside the hollow of the tree, I cut off 4 feet of the tree to expose a packed layer of leaves and rotting wood just below the honey comb.

I was then able to remove the plug of leaves and rotting wood and view the honey comb. The impact of the tree hitting the ground had dislodged at least one of the honey combs from the tree cavity.

I didn't see any honey bees, dead or alive, and removed the fallen honey comb, which contained a small amount of delicious honey.

As I prepared to remove more honey comb I found live honey bees that had been hiding under the fallen honey comb.

The overnight temperature had dropped to 18F and the bees had huddled together to keep warm.

Over the years I've located and monitored other wild honey bee trees on our property. We've had a decline in wild honey bees in this area and I decided I needed the honey bees more than their delicious honey. I closed off the open end of the tree and placed a protective weather cover over the entrance hole. Hopefully this will keep the bees warm and safe from bears, raccoons and other animals.

I'll continue to monitor these wild honey bees. If this bee colony survives maybe I'll be able to remove the plywood end covers and remove small amounts of honey.