Bees out of hive

[Pollybell]

It is 3pm, 6 degrees out and glorious sunshine. My 2 hives are positioned in this afternoon sun. The hives were wintered with mouse guard, oxalic treatment reasonable stores which I supplemented a couple of weeks ago with some fondant (just in case).

I have just spotted that there are a small number of bees coming and going from both of the hives. Are they just on a toilet break or is there something wrong?

Too cold to open up and take a look. But I wasn't expecting them to be out and about (albeit in small numbers) when it is this cold.

 

[REDWOOD]

Cleansing flights and water collection

 

[seaknight]

All 4 of my hives are active today too

 

[Bee Bumble]

3 C and calm here today - some bees flying.

 

[MuswellMetro]

water,,,,they vibrate their muscle to bring them up to flight temperature and if necessasry to temps even higher They then make dash to collect water to dilute their honey 50/50

only problem is cold water in their crop can chilled them down below flight temperature and they don't make it home

 

[Erichalfbee]

Yes, mine have been out for water in the cold winter sunshine. There is a pond in the apiary and there was a long line of them at the water's edge in the sun.
I wonder if putting an entrance feeder with water in it might be a good thing?

 

[Millet]

Yes, mine have been out for water in the cold winter sunshine. There is a pond in the apiary and there was a long line of them at the water's edge in the sun.
I wonder if putting an entrance feeder with water in it might be a good thing?

I am sure it will not cause any harm trying, i wonder if painting the water bottle black would help the sun warm it up a bit better than a white or clear container.

 

[seaknight]

I am sure it will not cause any harm trying, i wonder if painting the water bottle black would help the sun warm it up a bit better than a white or clear container.

Matt black would be best

 

[charlievictorbravo]

Matt black would be best

Yes, he was a very good DJ

CVB

 

[Pollybell]

Thanks for all the responses. I can now relax as they are acting normally.

 

[REDWOOD]

And next month you will probably start seeing some orientation flights, weather permitting