Gooday,
 
Re: the recent mention of bee beards, I saw it done last Sunday at the
Victorian Apiarists Association field day near Melbourne.
 
The bees were in a hive in a 2m X 3m fly-mesh covered cage. The brave subject,
John, knew his bees behaviour well. First he poured sugar syrup on the
frames to give them a ready supply of food. After 10 minutes he caught the
queen in a small wire cage with a loop of string and a rubber band attached.
The caged queen was left on top of the frames for a further few minutes.
 
John rolled a facial tissue up and plugged his nostrils and ears, then, after
gentle smoking, two frames of bees were shaken onto the hive lid and the queen
was suspended under John's chin. He sat with his head lowered so that the
queen was at the corner of the lid and the bees slowly gathered around her.
It took about 7-8 minutes for the beard to form.
 
He then stood up so the crowd could see and take photos. Most there, including
myself, were impressed and amazed. John kept his movements to a minimum and
didn't open his mouth. He carefully brushed bees down away from his eyes if
any climbed too high.
 
Did he get stung? Yes. As he was about to remove the cage, the MC announced
that the 'beard' was happening and more people came over - John had to slide
the string back on and squashed a bee which got him on the side of his face.
He was not concerned - I was watching carefully and didn't see him even
flinch.
 
The field day was terrific, I learned a lot, bought a few supplies, and got
ideas for some gear I can build myself. I'm assembling bits for a wire
embedder which I need now.
 
David
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