2020 nectar flow

15 days ago, I checkerboarded and added a medium box.  Today I repeated that process to keep up with the nectar flow.   My version of checkerboarding uses foundation-less frames with no drawn comb. New comb is drawn in a typical pattern of merging teardrop curves. 

I used the right angle end of the (traditional spring steel) hive tool to increase the space between frame top bars. Next I lifted the top bar end with a Frame Cleaner tool - that yellow handle tool in my right hand.  I've forgotten how I discovered this indispensable off-label use of the Frame Cleaner tool.

off-label use of cloake board

I purchased the cloake board with an intention to raise emergency queens, but I've drifted into off-label territory.  My success with two swarm traps catches and limited bee yard space encouraged me to combine the swarms with the cloake board.  Both entrances face in the same direction and the movable floor is removed.   For several weeks, these swarms have been connected by way of the queen excluder which is integrated into the cloake board.