November ~ Tending to the Animals

Ready or not on the Beegracious Farm by Darrell Allen

Hello again Friends,

As i’m sitting here, typing this post, I’m starting to realize that tending to animals, chickens, pigs, honeybees, especially (BEES) can be very challenging even for a seasoned beekeeper like myself. This is my 12th year keeping bees, and I occasionally get surprised by what I find in my beehives at this time of year. I was taught to always keep a plan (B) in the wings for beekeeping, however, this time there is no plan (B) ~ so far, I found 3 colonies without queens today and since it is so late in the season, it is doubtful that I can find replacement queens. I am combining these colonies without queens with colonies with queens ~ truly my only hope. The saving grace, is the fact, I can split the colonies in the spring.

October ~ transitional month

Moving along, October is always a transitional month; birds start moving south out of the colder climates in search of food. You will no doubt see some birds migrating through that is not local to your area. They are exciting to see. Nesting season is over, except for the birds that live year around. SO happy for those that choose to live in our yard year around. Most of the Hawks have already moved south of this area (Piedmont-Triad). For instance, if you are looking for a good place to see the Hawk migration check out Pilot Mountain State Park in late September, remember to take a pair of binoculars.

Preparing for winter bird feeding

I am busy putting up bird feeders this month and searching for the best price on sunflower seed. As always, we have a large amount of birds that come by the farm to feed ~ cardinals leading the pack. Let me know, in the comments what birds you feed through the winter and the best price you find for Black Oil Sunflower Seed. Do you need to add a feeder to help restore habitat for the birds in your neighborhood, for instance? Check them out here and remember Christmas Gifts for thyself, family and friends ~ https://www.beegraciousfarm.com/product-category/bird-feeder/

Welcome November ~ See ya soon around the farm,

Darrell Allen