Anyone spotted any drones yet?

[Norton]

Yes, lots of them here - will start grafting next week.

 

[snelgrove]

Yes, lots of them here - will start grafting next week.

Snow forcast here this weekend

 

[Erichalfbee]

Snow forcast here this weekend

Not surprising in February.
I think it's such a dismal month. Just the time to get some winter sun.
Mind you, sunshine today and bees out on the crocuses in the apiary.

 

[kazmcc]

There's a really interesting video.

About 4:31 in unless you want to watch the whole thing. And there's a part 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DscRpUC1S6I

Thanks. Bookmarked to watch when I get a few mins........if i get a few mins lol. Very interesting, I suppose I better get to grips with it as it's the only way to identify some solitary bees and wasps, by examining their genitalia, which will be part of my lesson in identification with Stuart. Whether i will be expected to do the squeezing, I am not to sure lol

So these drones are just left overs from last year then? Or drone layers of course. I just wondered with the unusual winter we have had recently.

 

[Finman]

.
It is OK when I see them in May

 

[snelgrove]

Thanks. Bookmarked to watch when I get a few mins........if i get a few mins lol. Very interesting, I suppose I better get to grips with it as it's the only way to identify some solitary bees and wasps, by examining their genitalia, which will be part of my lesson in identification with Stuart. Whether i will be expected to do the squeezing, I am not to sure lol

So these drones are just left overs from last year then? Or drone layers of course. I just wondered with the unusual winter we have had recently.

We had a mild winter let year, drones in February are an indication that all is not rite, I did read that some very strong colonies will retain a few drones all winter, but I ain't sure.

 

[bontbee]

what is that?

DLQ - Drone Laying Queen?

We had a mild winter let year, drones in February are an indication that all is not rite, I did read that some very strong colonies will retain a few drones all winter, but I ain't sure.

I've had colonies with overwintering drones over the years and they have been fine. As you say, Snelgrove, they have been colonies on the strong side - and with young queens. The latest, keeping drones over the winter of 2014/15, went on to be one of the most productive colonies I had last year.

Just wanted to say that winter drones doesn't necessarily mean doom and gloom.

 

[Finman]

Just wanted to say that winter drones doesn't necessarily mean doom and gloom.

I have 20% spare hives, and actually I do not mind if I see, that drones have been pulled out from hive. This winter 30%.

Nothing is doomed when you have spare hives.,

 

[iand]

Oh dear

But to me it is an alarm bell. I must check, is there a laying Queen inside.
.

I agree, also remember drones are kicked out in the autumn, usually when the colony is happy with the Queen. Any left just may mean they are not entirely happy with her and hedging their bets by hanging on to a few drones.

 

[kazmcc]

We had a mild winter let year

It may have been mild, but i don't remember stripping down to a T shirt a week before Christmas last winter. This winter has been unusually mild imo, I've hardly turned the heating on at all.