Creating a Safe Environment for Bees Around the Water
At our Joshua Tree Preserve, nestled in the Arizona landscape, we have a humble 10-gallon pond that has become a favorite among the critters and visitors alike. This summer, however, it’s been the bees who have truly claimed it as their own, turning it into their oasis from sunrise to sunset.
It’s incredible to see how protective they’ve become over this little body of water, often attempting to scare off the morning doves and quail just to maintain control of their cherished resource.
A Summer Buzz at the Pond
Bees are incredibly territorial when it comes to water, especially in the heat of summer. If you stroll past the pond, you’ll hear a lively buzz and witness a flurry of activity. The bees act like they own the place, darting around and making sure anyone who approaches knows they’ve staked their claim.
To ensure their safety, we’ve gone the extra mile. We added rocks and sticks around the edges, giving the bees safe landing spots where they can drink without fear of drowning. The result? A buzzing social hub that the bees—and other wildlife—seem to love.
Quail Eviction: Bees in Charge
One particularly funny moment came when we set up the trail camera to observe the pond. A group of 10 to 12 quail wandered over for a drink, only to be chased off by the bees.
As soon as the quail arrived, the bees swooped in, buzzing around them until they decided to move on. It was a sight to see—these tiny bees taking charge of the much larger birds, who quickly decided the bees' pond was not worth the trouble.
The Pond: The Bees' Social Spot
What’s fascinating is that the bees have access to several water sources at the Preserve. We’ve even installed solar water fountains right outside their beehives. But for some reason, this pond is their go-to hangout.
It seems to serve as more than just a watering hole; it’s their social hub, a place to mingle with other bees and soak in the atmosphere.
Every week, we refill the pond, and by the time we return, it’s nearly empty again. The bees simply can’t get enough of it.
Preparing for Fall and Winter
As fall arrives, the activity around the pond is winding down. Bees, as we know, aren’t big fans of cooler weather. They’ll begin spending more time inside their hives, reducing the competition for the water with the other critters.
While the bees may slow down, the bird population at the Joshua Tree Preserve is likely to pick up. Last year, we saw an incredible number of birds arriving as fall set in, and we’re preparing for the same this year. We may even need to add more water stations to keep up with demand.
Easy Times for Beekeepers Ahead
Fall and winter bring a slower pace for beekeepers, too. As the bees settle into their hives, we’ll provide sugar water feeders to help them through the colder months.
By December, we’ll add pollen substitutes and perhaps a few pollen patties to make sure they stay well-fed and healthy throughout the winter.
It’s a peaceful time for both the bees and the critters at the Joshua Tree Preserve. We’re glad the bees have made the pond their summer retreat, but as the weather cools, we’re ready for the shift in activity that fall and winter will bring.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.