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This is one of his largest. This was also the first of four times he has been stung while creating nine bee beards.

As you view our slide presentation you will follow the progression from the cage containing the queen bee that Walter has in his hands; to tying the box under his chin so the bees will “swarm” around her (bees only swarm if the queen is present.); dumping the box of bees on the board, (approximately 5 pounds of bees); the bees are moved to the queen cage; the bees “gently” shaped into a beard using plastic cards; and, finally, the board is gently removed.

You will notice the cotton in Walter’s ears and nose to keep the bees out and the wire holding the queen cage under his chin. He keeps his mouth slightly open to breath. After pictures are taken with him, we gently remove the bees with a modified vacuum cleaner so that the bees go into a box and then to the hive.

Enjoy the presentation!

The 2009 bee beard will be formed at the shop in July, weather permitting.