Category Archives: Ecology
Blue and Green in the Flower Patch
Good scientists do their best to remove bias from their observations and experiments. Statistical methods such as blocking, double-blind trials, use of appropriate controls, and randomization are among their key tools. Results are suspect when hypotheses are designed after data … Continue reading
Not the only bees in town
Although my life has centred on honey bees, I realize that they are not the only bee species in town. Here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, we have about 200 species of bees – from giant bumble bees to rather petite … Continue reading
Posted in Books, Ecology, Friends, Native Bees, Outreach
Tagged Alberta, bumblebees, Calgary
7 Comments
The Story of my Life (in less than two hours)
I had a wonderful interview with Sylvia and Luca from Vitamina Bee, an Italian videography/website. We touched on everything from veganism to bee-on-bee competition, the history of beekeeping, my Master’s research, and my early life on a farm with nine … Continue reading
Posted in Beekeeping, Books, Commercial Beekeeping, Ecology, History, Personal
Tagged Bad Beekeeping, beekeeping in Italy, honey bees, Saskatchewan, video, Vitamina Bee
1 Comment
Northern Spring
When will spring start? I’m in western Canada, near the Rockies. We have long, cold winters. Spring comes late. So, I’ve always kept honey bee hives wrapped late into the spring. That used to be a real chore 20 years … Continue reading
Posted in Climate, Ecology, History, Honey Plants, Science, Uncategorized
Tagged cherry, climate change, Spring, winter, wintering bees
3 Comments
A rare seed guy
You know how the mention of a name from long ago can bring back memories that you thought had slipped away forever? I had that experience recently. Browsing American Bee Journal, this ad caught my eye. It was from the … Continue reading
Posted in Ecology, Honey Plants, People, Personal, Pollination
Tagged crownvetch, Ernst Seeds, native plants, Pennsylvania, podcast
5 Comments
Resolutions
Most of my New Years’ days have passed without resolutions. This year, I resolved, would be different. Along with the typical (exercise more and eat less), the necessary (write more), the obvious (finish that grad degree), the impossible (learn Hungarian), … Continue reading
Posted in Beekeeping, Ecology, Native Bees, Personal, Save the Bees
Tagged Native Bees, University of Calgary
6 Comments
Bees and the Australian Fires
Australia is on fire. When I heard about the thousands of people who were fleeing – some being rescued from beaches by the navy – and then saw photos of black smoke, red skies, and stampeding kangaroos, I worried about … Continue reading
Posted in Bee Yards, Climate, Commercial Beekeeping, Ecology
Tagged Australia, climate change, forest fires, smoke
14 Comments
Seeing 20-20
What will the new year (and decade) bring? Although “20-20” denotes perfect vision, I doubt we’ll be so lucky. I suspect that we’ll continue with our near-sighted attitudes toward . . . everything. We can’t help it. We’re hardwired that … Continue reading
Interview at CJSW with Ian Perry
A couple of months ago, I was invited to chat about my research with Ian Perry, who runs a radio/podcast interview program (Keeping Green) at the University of Calgary’s CJSW. Ian is interviewing people who are studying ecology in western … Continue reading
Posted in Beekeeping, Ecology, Native Bees, Personal, Science
Tagged CJSW, urban beekeeping
6 Comments
Apimondia 2019: Thursday (some presentations)
On Thursday at the Montreal Apimondia, I gave a presentation about the average distance bees fly while foraging. The full title was Foraging distances of commercially-deployed bees: a meta-analysis. When I find some time, I’ll do a voice-over and create … Continue reading
Posted in Bee Biology, Beekeeping, Commercial Beekeeping, Ecology, Native Bees, Pollination, Science
Tagged Apimondia, bee foraging
1 Comment
