Birds & Bees

Vashon Island (Washington) beekeeping chronicles. We raise queen bees and nucs geared for PNW climates from Russian hybrid and local survivor stock. David Skrzypek has been keeping honeybees for more than 25 years. Our beekeeping is always chemical-free and pharmaceutical-free. Keep bees. Plant stuff. Survive. To contact, please visit: www.birdsandbeesvashon.com

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Springtime smiles, nature abounds.

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Rejuvenation and plans for future generations. Sunny days abound.

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Rainy days are for the birds.

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The keeping of bees is like holding sunshine.

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My nuc yard.

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The host of this apiary site noted the comb here resembles a squished likeness of Australia, and now that’s all we see! David is amused.

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Good Afternoon! Have you any bees for sale this Spring? I’m an Organic gardener, locally grown honey devotee (medicinal/holistic), and planning my first farm stand here in Manchester, on site. Lovely, shady site for boxes (I like the Mason Jar box design) and looking to either requeen with local talent, or populate entirely. Thanks! Maura [phone]

Humble apologies, I am sold out.

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This young man visited the apiary today in researching his class project on bees. Not a lot to see in winter but still much to share!

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Late season propolis from our trap. Check out the light gold, the latest deviation from the usual reddish. Here’s to tinctures to come!

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Fall breezes late season dandelion to the door.

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So much information, so little time! Apimondia in Montreal was awesome.

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Always fun to see those Cheeto-lookin’ ham hocks scooting across the frames. Serious pollen collectors—nucs are doing well as summer begins to wrap up.

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Beautiful honeycomb.

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A late season swarm settling in the afternoon.

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A barred owl visited my nuc yard today. Second visit from this creature.