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Had to check all colonies today even though it is a bit cool (only day I had free). 2 hives all good - no sign of swarm behaviour. 1 hive has swarmed - I have left one QC in place. I was contemplating buying a new queen for it and still might. My Buckfast colony had charged cells in in it so...

No clipped queens. It was maybe a 12-20 bees per hive. So think it must be bees under flying as suggested

Hello all, I have a hive located within a few metres of a field of OSR. The farmer has informed us that he intends to spray the OSR with fungicide. What are the possible consequences for the colony and the honey? Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks - two of the stands have long sloping landing boards but the may still underfly.

Hello all, Was passing my apiary this morning and thought I would pop in (don’t usually get the chance to see them during the week).There were a small amount of bees on the underside of the OMF on all hives. Not clustered just 12-20 bees hanging about. Are these foragers that have returned later...

Lothian - OSR near one Apiary is in full bloom but at the other (2-3 miles away) is barely out.

Went by the apiary today just to observe activity. Didn’t expect to see much as it is 9 degrees. Was surprised to see plenty of bees coming and going! OSR field next door.

Too cold for full inspections but had a quick check of the supers added last week - all rammed full of bees and felt heavy when hefted. Weather this week not looking particularly good in the Lothians for the coming week!

best of luck!

Well done. A good start!

Thanks yes will check again. I was thinking to split them but couldn’t find the queen on this occasion

Might still be a bit early up here in Scotland but one of my colonies inspected today had 4 queen cups with eggs so swarming just around the corner perhaps!

More attention at the bait hive in my garden. Looks like scout bees sizing it up

Inspected 5 colonies in East Lothian. All building up nicely and all supered. Will need to keep an eye on one colony - there were 4 queen cups with eggs so would assume they are preparing to swarm.

very sorry to hear that. Hope you are successful in catching a swarm.

Yes the weather in Scotland looks to be improving by next weekend.

I put out a swarm trap (poly nuc box up a tree) at the end of March just to get ahead of the game. During the warmer weather there were scouts showing interest and were happily going in and out. The cold snap obviously put a stop to any further activity. Hoping the weather will warm up again!

Brood on 5-6 frames.