A beekeeper extracted a swarm of bees from a pipe organ stored in an unused poultry house in a recent visit.
Stephen Bishop visited poultry farmer Richard, who maintains a collection of over 100 pipe organs in a former hen house. The bees had entered through a hole in the roof and settled in the largest central pipe of a four-manual organ rebuilt by Richard over two years.
An article in the American Bee Journal highlights outdated beekeeping practices and misconceptions about disease spread.
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Scientists at Cornell University have uncovered a massive population of ground-nesting miner bees at East Lawn Cemetery in Ithaca, New York, one of the largest known communities worldwide. The site supports between 3 million and 8 million bees, highlighting cemeteries as vital habitats for pollinators amid urban pressures. Researchers emphasize the role of these solitary bees in pollinating local crops like apple trees.
A hybrid population of honeybees in Southern California demonstrates natural resistance to Varroa mites, a major threat to bee colonies. Researchers at UC Riverside found these bees carry 68% fewer mites and require far less chemical treatment. The discovery, detailed in a new study, suggests early-life defenses in larvae may hold the key.
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Buff-tailed bumblebees have demonstrated an ability to recognize rhythmic patterns, surprising scientists who thought it required a large brain. Researchers trained the insects to distinguish sequences of flashing lights and vibrations, akin to Morse code. The findings suggest even small-brained animals can process abstract rhythms.
A new study shows that homing pigeons rely on iron-rich immune cells in their livers to sense Earth's magnetic field. The discovery offers a fresh explanation for how birds navigate over long distances, especially in poor weather.