The Buzz of Urban Beekeeping in Manhattan
In the heart of Manhattan, where corporate offices are still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic and activity levels remain markedly lower than in pre-pandemic times, an unexpected spectacle is unfolding. At some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, life is thriving in a different form—thousands of industrious honeybees are transforming nectar into honey, creating a vibrant buzz amidst the urban landscape.
On the roof of the Empire State Building, above Madison Square Garden, and on a terrace adjacent to the elegant Chrysler Building, beehives have become veritable hives of activity. On an unusually warm Friday in November, a pair of skilled beekeepers, clad in protective gear, stood on an 11th-floor terrace tending to two hives populated by Italian honeybees. “Although these bees may not flourish right under the iconic spire of the Chrysler Building above us, here on this terrace, they are absolutely thriving,” remarked Matthew Flood, one of the beekeepers.
As Flood and his colleague, Titus Ogilvie-Laing, prepared to inspect the hives, they employed gentle puffs of smoke from silver canisters, a traditional method to soothe the bees before opening the hives. With deft movements, they utilized metal tools resembling small crowbars to carefully pry out the frames from the wooden hive boxes. Each frame was alive with the hustle and bustle of hundreds of bees, their hard work evident in the glistening combs filled with raw, golden honey.
- Italian Honeybees: The choice of bees that thrive in this urban setting.
- Beekeeping Techniques: Utilizing smoke to calm the bees during hive inspections.
- Honey Production: Each frame showcasing the fruits of the bees’ labor—raw honey.
Matthew Flood, left, and Titus Ogilvie-Laing are dedicated beekeepers for Best Bees, diligently maintaining various hives across the city, contributing to the urban pollination efforts and bringing a touch of nature back to the concrete jungle.
