Red-bellied Woodpeckers built the cavity above in a Cabbage Palm. A couple of weeks later a pair of European Starlings attacked the nest and built their own nest inside. At least one starling young survived. Flash forward to a year later and you will see that a new occupant has taken over, or I should say a few new occupants. This cavity is now a thriving European Honeybee nest. Everything has been going well until two weeks ago I noticed some swarming behavior. And then I saw the evidence of a swarm below.
It seems that the bees have taken residence in BOTH of our new nest boxes. Due to the boxes being so close to the boardwalk we will have to evict the new occupants. We will be leaving the palm hive to thrive and grow. I just hope this doesn't become a reoccuring problem. I hate to have to disturb such beautiful animals.
**UPDATE** The hive on the half mile trail is far enough away from the boardwalk that we are choosing to leave it. Now Green Cay is home to two happy hives.
1 comment:
Especially when they're making Orange Blossom Honey. Maybe you can put your order in with them.
Post a Comment