Yes, the feed store. and even though they are called "salt licks" I believe that's just a broad term. As I understand it they get necessary minerals from it which is very important especially in times of stress like this. The deer will certainly untilize it & I've heard that other animals will also. The feed store will know what to give you.

First thirsty bee for 2012 This is a small sunflower birdbath in one of my gardens.

Great Maridell to see them out and about isn't it?

Yup, I am much more interested in these little fellas since reading your posts/articles on the subject

What a nice thing to say Maridell. I'm happy you enjoy the posts and articles.

OK everyone it's getting hot, hot, hot out there.

Let's see what you all have to offer the honey bees for water supply to quench their thirst and cool their hives.

Ponds, rivers, water gardens, bird baths, special for honey bees, etc. Are the bees going to be happy to visit you for water?

I have a neighbor who keeps bees in Top Bars. He also builds and sells them. He has a very cool watering setup that I will encourage him to take photos of. I'm still trying to get him into this site, particularly the Bee Forum. I have to keep lighting fires under him before I make the move.

Hi Jerry I hope you do manage to get him to join us here. I'd especially like to hear about the top bar hives and I know others would too.

Since Fred has been way too busy of late to take photos of his Watering Box, I'll see if he wouldn't mind me doing so. Yesterday when he had the window covers off of his Top bar we saw several Drones milling about. Man that hive is full and near ready to split. It's not going to be long now...I'd love to be lucky enough to get some photos as "Da Girls" head out for their new palace.

That would be neat to see his Watering Box.

We have a hive getting ready to take off also. Raining right now and for the next day or two so it could be a few days before they go. I'm hoping to get a video of him catching this one. Would lave to get a photo of the queen cells too but bet he won't let me that close.

We finally made it back to Texas I brought some pic's of Freds' Cantina which he built solely help his girls keep their hives hydrated. Soon as the "Honey-Do's" subside a bit I'll get them posted.

Welcome back Jerry you were missed. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.

And if you can get some pictures or short video of a swarm catch I'd be grateful as ours have decided they aren't going to swarm much this season for some reason. Had two hives showing signs of swarming that changed their mind about it.

I just noticed that I have a few bees flying under my spider plant and going inside one of the holes. The bees look different than they ones I usually see, sort of rounder. I am a bit afraid to go out on the balcony since we had a bee attack in Phoenix not too long ago.

I have never been afraid of bees at all but when I went out to water, three came towards me.

Any advice?

Can you get us a picture of them Becky? We can help you witht hem better if we know which bees they are.

I will try, Margaret. It will have to be through the glass door.

I'm curious too. I've been having a lot of fun photographing native bees.

These blossoms are rained to pieces now, last night and this morning we have had rain....

I can't get a close up because they won't land and I'm inside. Id I place a saucer under the plant, maybe that will stop whatever they are up to. I have my grandson coming tomorrow and want it to be safe. They are not wasps.

Boo, I'm sorry. I jumped right in the way...