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Spring Hives
It’s early March and that means erratic weather and high winds. We had snow last week, it was in the 50′s this week and now, with winds gusting to 30 mph, another snow is predicted for the weekend. It’s also time to check out the yard, clean up winter debris, prune and water the trees and shrubs, and….. check out the bees! It was a rather mild winter with more moisture than last year this time. When temperatures get above 50 degrees, the bees will venture out of their hive. At first there isn’t anything for them to eat, as it’s still early, but yesterday it was in the 60′s and I saw them zipping in and out of their hive. I watched the returning workers carefully and yes, I saw a few returning with a load of pollen! That means the elm trees are beginning to bloom. In a few more days, on a nice warm day, I’ll open the hive and inspect it thoroughly. But one thing is sure… they made it through the winter!
Hey Bobby!
Glad to hear that your winged worker’s are thriving! I’m hoping to attack my gardening areas soon – if spring arrives sans the snow!
JM
Thanks, Bob, I saw bees out last weekend and wondered what they were going to eat so early in the year.
Hooray for your fine bees. They will keep you happy all summer. Now, on to new chicks?
Mine are out too on warm days. Both hives have made it through the winter. Very mild winter here with virtually no snow here in southwestern Ohio.
Hi Bob
Just back fro AZ and Colorado! Still in winter mode! Happy to hear that the bees made it! But….I am still saving my egg boxes for you!
What a good synopsis of conditions and progress for bees. Yard cleanup a project here this weekend as well as loading up a batch of stuff for Goodwill. I finally bought snow boots this fall – just put them away with tags still on.