11 degrees in Eastbourne yesterday

[louiseww]

This may sound like a weather forecast but it was sunny about midday and the bees in both hives went mad, buzzing around so much I couldn't get near and 'bringing out the dead' !! What a joy to watch so I must have done something right too as this is my first year. By 2.30pm they had cleared up and were back inside.
Louise

 

[johnandyrob]

wow thats warm is was - 6.5 north of Durham at 10am Regards Andrew

 

[Liam C Ryan]

Good for you Louise hope the new year is good to you and your bees

 

[gavin]

Yesterday at lunchtime it was -4C here! Snow overnight, the last lot hadn't completely gone, and now we're up to the balmy heights of -2C.

G.

 

[RoofTops]

A few of my bees were still flying at 3 in the afternoon yesterday. Stupid things.

 

[frenchbees]

We had 12° yesterday, first time I have seen a bee since mid November. Had a quick look at the end of the morning when there was a bit of activity, lots of bees, (whew what a relief), and estimate they have used about 80% of the full super they went into the winter with. Ready with some fondant for next week when it is forecast to be warmish and dry again.
By midday the hive was a mass of activity, just like high summer. Not out of the woods yet but so pleased.

 

[MJBee]

Good news and bad news.

The warmer weather brought all the hives to life - cleansing, clearing out the dead AND bringing in pollen (gorse I suspect), so far so good.

The bad news - I noticed that the colony I suspect has a bad case of Nosema was showing no debris pattern on the varroa insert. A peer underneath showed the OMF almost completely covered with dead bees. Although only 12C I swapped them onto a clean floor as quickly and gently as I could, they are very much alive and defensive, but settled down quickly. I estimate there was about a pint of dead bees so they may not survive the next 2 months due to lack of numbers, depends on how severe February is. Fingers crossed.

 

[jezd]

2.5c here

 

[drstitson]

11+ degrees here today with full sun - both hives really active - only topped by lunchtime "orientation" flights at height of summer. Bees everywhere in garden and visible flying out too. Many stopping to say hello on way past!!!

First day out for many - two weeks back a few ventured out when warm wind from africa hit for 24hrs.

 

[Norton]

Weather in Cyprus

18 degrees here today. This fine period in the middle of winter is known as 'Αλκιονες μερες" (Alkiones meres) and is supposed to be the time that the Kingfisher lays it eggs in anticipation of spring. Just a bit of local folklore to cheer you all up.
best regards
Norton.