Pollen and nectar

[ShinySideUp]

I can see my bees coming back with a lot of pollen at the moment although I don't know from where they are getting it. Is there a visual way to tell if they are returning with nectar or can I assume that if there is pollen there is also nectar?

 

[Poly Hive]

The workers with nectar come in with their tails down so sort of at 45 degrees.

PH

 

[Dodge]

When you say 45d. Is this flying/landing or walking on landing board (i.e. bottom dragging a little)or both?

 

[Millet]

When you say 45d. Is this flying/landing or walking on landing board (i.e. bottom dragging a little)or both?

Flying they come in like loaded bombs sometimes crash landing then crawl in the entrance.

 

[Millet]

I can see my bees coming back with a lot of pollen at the moment although I don't know from where they are getting it. Is there a visual way to tell if they are returning with nectar or can I assume that if there is pollen there is also nectar?

Check on stores, mine are piling pollen in but very little Nectar which means i have been feeding them weekly, DO not think pollen coming in is a good thing, they need a lot more nectar or other supplies to get through winter.

 

[Zante]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but foragers with pollen go and deposit it inside the hives while foragers with nectar pass it on to house bees without going in, correct?

 

[beeno]

Swollen abdomen could also mean water collection to dilute stores.