May 31st additional queen excluder and check-up

Checked on bees this day and found that Parkwood hive queen did indeed start laying eggs! That's a big yeah and relief. Other new package at orchard seemed to be doing well and the workers let their queen out and was able to spot her and take photos. She also was laying a good number of eggs.
Established hive is brimming full of bees. Added excluder and added another honey super. Other photos are from a hike the following day in the Loess Hills in Hitchcock Nature Preserve.

If you look closely you can see the eggs in the cells.

Nice looking queen.

Mr. Dung beetle

Cousin bee.

Snail mail

Looking closely

The Lodge