After a very cold winter, we’re having a few days where the thermometer has almost crept into double figures at the height of the day. Today we decided to go to see the girls to refill their food stores (fondant) if necessary and see who has survived.
Of the six hives all had viable (at the moment) colonies. No-one needed more food and the girls were flying. These will probably still be the bees that have seen out the winter rather than new-borns. This is the most difficult time for the colony as the winter bees are having to do all the work whilst the new borns are being raised. When the new borns start to fly and forage for the colony the winter bees can take their final bow but not yet.
Pollen is being collected looks like snowdrop and hazel. Hopefully it’s enough to sustain the colony for the next few weeks
