Cool Bee or not Cool Bee

We have had one of the coldest springs I can remember having, the bees are finally getting suitable weather to BEE really active. I inspected the hive yesterday, the colony is growing rapidly in numbers. I added a 3rd super and filled the feeder. The 3rd super had drawn comb so now the bees just need to fill it with honey.

Inside The Hive

I am fortunate to have a wonderful camera. I love to take pictures of the bees. I have some great shots between the frames inside the hive.

Spring And My Hive

The weather has finally warmed up here in Michigan. I was able to open the hive and give the bees an early feeding. The queen was visible and actively laying eggs. Looking forward to a great summer for the bees

Waiting For Spring

Several weeks ago our Michigan temps hit 50 degrees, I was able to quickly open the hive and get a early feeding done and some cleaning. The overall condition of the hive looked good. Plenty of bees to continue the work this spring. However; Easter weekend we were hit with a blizzard. 14 inches of snow put an end to the outward activity of the bees.

Winter Cleansing Flights

The unusually warm temperatures last week prompted a flourish of hive activity. Bees went flying by the hundreds on short cleansing flights. I watched well into the evening, the bees continued to busy themselves after sunset. As I watched the hive, I felt the excitement of a beekeeper and the new spring just ahead.

Winter Beehavior

As the days grow shorter and cooler, the beehive becomes outwardly less active. But I know from peering into the hive, the bees are still busy. As I was placing the entrance restrictor at the opening of the hive, I could see the bees balled up around the queen keeping her warm and fed. Wintering bees is an amazing event to see in nature, I am continuously reminded of the wonders of nature as a beekeeper.

You Can Bee Sure Fall Is Here

Even though it was hot today, the bees are displaying fall-like behavior. I spent several hours today photographing my beehive and observing the activity around the hive. As I sat with my macro lens in hand, I got a great picture of a worker bee forcing a drone from the hive. I noticed several dead drones on the ground in front of the hive. This is typical beehavior in preparation for winter. Drones are a liability to the hive in the winter months and therefore must go.