A former Austrian police officer is not just managing dozens of hives but also engages in queen bee breeding just a few years after retiring from his day job.
Speaking about his decision to delve into apiculture, Klagenfurt-based Siegfried Grabner told the Kronen Zeitung newspaper: “Since 2019, I got all the time to observe the bees as they peacefully collect nectar.”
The retired policeman said he also enjoyed watching the queen bee and the various activities inside a hive.
Before getting himself equipped with his first Carniolan honeybee colony, Siegfried attended different lectures and workshops.
Today, he manages 20 colonies in his backyard as well as hives in different Carinthian towns. A colony located at the Zirbitzkogel which is a mountain situated in the neighbouring province of Styria – is monitored by Siegfried as well.
To support the Osmia bicornis – a local mason bee species – the passionate hobbyist set up a large wooden nesting spot on his property.
Mason bees are solitary pollinators. They do not produce honey. However, they are essential when it comes to ensuring healthy ecosystems.
Siegfried – who worked as a police officer for 44 years – warned: “Mankind could not exist without bees.”
