Pollen collecting in January?????

[louiseww]

It is cold, probably about 6 degrees but sunny and clear skies here in Eastbourne today. I just could not believe my eyes while looking closely at one of my hive entrances - a bee came in with full pollen baskets! Was I seeing things? What could this be and does it mean that they are raising brood? As a newbeek this was very exciting! Yes I know I lead a very sheltered existence!
Louise

 

[Silly Bee]

Most of us get excited about bees and pollen and stuff.

You are not alone.

 

[Midland Beek]

Hazel.

 

[BKF Admin]

Or Gorse ?

 

[peterbees]

Or snowdrops. Good sign that the queen has started laying, and needs the pollen to feed protein to the youngsters.

 

[drstitson]

haven't checked on my UK hive this week (and wouldn't be there in daylight anyway so not likely to witness pollen arriving) but hopefully next week will check on cluster temperature and see if laying is underway properly.

 

[Somerford]

or crocuses ? anyone seen any yet ? I haven't seen any snowdrops this year

S

 

[SER]

Snow drops are only a few days away from opening down here and my crocus are just showing above the ground.

 

[justme]

or crocuses ? anyone seen any yet ? I haven't seen any snowdrops this year

S

Yes, crocus's, some of mine started flowering last week. Also, noticed some snowdrops out today:.)

 

[Vergilius]

I live on a goolf course. Luckily this gives the bees an early source of pollen- gorse. Saw some full pollen baskets on Sat!!!!


Ben P

 

[louiseww]

It sounds as though it must be gorse as we are near to the south downs and a golf course where there is plenty of that.
Snowdrops only buds, crocus only leaves out of the ground so far, everything is behind this year. A few years ago we used to get a few daffodils from late January, but not any more!
Louise

 

[SteveJ]

I'm on Teesside and the only thing I've seen out are Winter Pansey. Still a couple of weeks for snowdrops. But mine are bringing pollen in as well.