First Inspection of Site3 in Payson/Flowing Springs - Ditches and Witches

Previously, we detailed how we layed out the two sites in Flowing Springs, five miles north of Payson, and suffered a Beextinction crisis.

Jim made a return trip on 6 April 2019 to inspect the habitats and determine the status of the bees. The initial check was done on Friday afternoon.

Site3a and 3b Observations

Note that the main conclusion is "no activity". We aren't overly worried about this or the similar observation at Site3a beecause we are heeding Dave Hunter's advice "Remember to bee patient, it can take up to two weeks to see nesting activity at your bee house." from his excellent April 2019 Crown Bees newsletter. If you haven't signed up for this newsletter and are interested in solitary bees, sign up now.

On Saturday the 6th Jim examined the contents of the PVC tube at the Master Garden, Site3a.

Site3a Examination of PVC Tube Contents

As you can see, he saw lots of little bugs (mites?, spiders?) quickly scampering away. Too fast to photograph. Got a few on video, just barely.

There were 6-12 of these bugs, about 1/16th inch long, compact, very fast, hopping, didn't fly. We will ask our experts to review this and report the results.

The conclusion was that 75-80% of the cocoons were open.

Site3a Examination of PVC Tube Contents

Jim did the "float test" on the unopened cocoons. If the cocoons float, they are considered viable. If they sink, they are "damaged". This is equivalent to the Middle Ages "Witch or Not" test. If she floats, she's a witch. If she sinks and drowns, she's innocent.

Site3a Examination of PVC Tube Content - Float Tests

So, we brought back an number of opened cocoons and three unopened cocoons for further study.

In addition, we read out the temperature and humidity data logger located in the Master Garden, Site3a.

Site3a - Temperature Record to Date, 7F2EF01E

Site3a - Humidity Record to Date, 7F2EF01E

The data looks so good that we might have 'dry labbed' it. Not so.

Note also that morning temperatures were in the high 20s. Pretty cold.

And we have an irrigation system with water taken off of Webber Creek so it is time to clean out and repair the ditch. Kody, James, Danna the dog, and Jim did some old fashioned work: digging a ditch with a shovel.

Here's the before and after photos.

Site3b - The Ditch - Before

Site3b - The Ditch - After

Finally, SRP has started pumping water from the Cragin Reservoir into the East Verde River.

SRP Begins Moving Water from the Cragin Reservoir into the East Verde River on 4 April 2019 - Announcement

SRP Begins Moving Water from the Cragin Reservoir into the East Verde River on 4 April 2019 - Flow Rate

And the Crackerjack flow rate monitor located five miles downstream from Flowing Springs is now coming within reading rate (<40 cubic feet per second).

Crackerjack Flow Monitor, Back Into Range

We will revisit Site3 in Flowing Springs/Payson in about a week.