Hi Dishmop
Had to move a colony into a nuc as too much room for colony to keep warm and it was a sunny day here so took the risk. (see through cover boards and I was quick about it) Think it was being robbed as well. Nothing to lose I thought. Thought I was doing the right thing under the circumstances, but if you think not, then I would like your opinion or even an alternative. Always willing to learn. Not sure what else to do as I didn't want to lose the colony and only find out in spring. Also looking at the debris under the other hives, it looks like capping's from brood rather than just the sticky capping's from opened honey stores. (Well that's my best guess)
Regards Dave
P.S. Some of girls have been flying and bringing in Ivy pollen in 3 degrees c temperatures, when it has got down that far. (sure of temp. double checked as I couldn't believe it myself) Tough little devils! Some days it's almost early spring foraging numbers. Could kick off like last spring with larger than expected colonies due to long brood period? What do you think?