swarm-list Mailing List: Bumble Bees and Swarm in West Oakland.... recap

[Gabriel Harber (harberphoto]

I didn’t have a car last night, so I took my bicycle to collect the bumble bees that had taken up shop in a small bird house in West Oakland.  When I arrived around 9pm, all the bees were tucked in.  I took a piece of cardboard a little bigger than the opening of the entrance and taped it in place.  The home owners were very very pleased with how simple and easy the removal was and said they would be donating to the club.  Win.  

On my way home, I stopped by to look for the possible swarm at 24th and Adeline.  I honestly didn’t think there would be any bees there and was not prepared to collect an actual swarm.  But I live less than half a mile away, and knew I could go home to get supplies if I needed.  When I got there, I spotted a swarm about the size of two softballs clinging to a plastic tray for carrying sodas.  They were sitting on the ground behind an old Mercedes.  I picked up the whole thing.  In one hand I pushed my bike and held the bumble bee house, and in the other hand I held the swarm of bees.  I can only imagine what I looked like to passing cars.  This morning I spotted the queen in the swarm.  Fun times with the bees.

-Gabriel

Re: [ACBA Swarmlist] Rescue small “swarm” -looks like maybe stragglers from a big swarm that moved on. 24th and Adeline area in Oakland

On May 20, 2024, at 7:27 PM, Jerry Przybylski via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

Can someone close by investigate?  
Probably no big payoff.

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Re: [ACBA Swarmlist] Bumblebees - Oakland home-owner would like them relocated. They're in a birdhouse

On May 20, 2024, at 11:25 AM, Gerald Przybylski via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

 On  Campbell St    Oakland   
   Keela    (815) 766-2651   - Text message preferred


Can someone please relocate them.
landscaping work is on the calendar next week.
She thinks the landscapers will be a disturbance for them, or the landscapers
might be upset working around  them.

The birdhouse can go on vacation, and doesn't have to be returned.
Obviously best relocated after dark.

Who feels like being a host?
They're terrific pollinators, especially for tomatoes. And cute!!