So Tempted!!

[Winker]

I can confirm that there were flowering currant flowers out near Longforgan in cold eastern Scotland yesterday.

Any peeks in the hive are just to check some light ones and apply more fondant on top. Not time for frame-lifting inspections for over a month yet.

That may be fine for anything north of the lovely silvery Tay. But keep in mind Spring started a month early last year. Official start of spring is March 21st that's only 3 and bit weeks away.

Down here a bit further south, my hives have been at it hammer and tong all week. Snowdrops everywhere and bees buzzing around with a sense of purpose.

If this weather pattern keeps up (and it looks as if it will for the next few weeks) Spring will be upon us early again.

 

[Queens59]

My neighbour popped round today (the weird ones...not the nice ones) and said he noticed my bees were flying again (How?? Well they were in his garden...oh, well they must be mine and not the other 2 beekeepers in the village then...). As they were active he was visiting to ask that I take the roof off and get him some honey -

I'll let someone else fill in the rest of the conversation

 

[Vergilius]

I have never anyone suggest opening 'em up in February, regardless of the location - what on Earth would be the point???? This time two weeks ago temp was -5 and there was 15 cm of snow on the ground!!!

The coldest weather of the winter may still be to come...

Ben P

 

[TBRNoTB]

somebody said somethimg about Patience being a virtue,
seldom found in women,

Darren

.....but never in men, (the wife keeps saying!)

 

[Susan1]

Good to read all these replys. Just wanted to say i am still not looking in the hive. Bees still buzzing about on sunny days but agree it serves no point disturbing them. Dont know if I could get up again after hunkering down to peer up their skirts!!!!
Had a brill experience whilst away in malmesbury at the weekend. I saw a bee tree. An old tree with lots of holes in it with bees coming in and out to see who was watching them.

 

[BBG]

And good to see your Queen pheromones are having such a soporific effect on the rest of the hive

 

[keithgrimes]

The old sign was to wait until the flowering currant was in bloom....

PH

The old timers always said wait until the American Flowering Currant (Ribes Sanguineum) is in bloom. Unfortunately there are so many garden cultivars now that flower all over the calendar that it's no longer a good guide. My personal green flag for an inspection is when I can walk outside comfortably in a short sleeved shirt (and trousers of course). One thing for sure. Too early by far yet.

 

[Jeff Buzz]

My neighbour popped round today (the weird ones...not the nice ones) and said he noticed my bees were flying again (How?? Well they were in his garden...oh, well they must be mine and not the other 2 beekeepers in the village then...). As they were active he was visiting to ask that I take the roof off and get him some honey -

I'll let someone else fill in the rest of the conversation

I have fitted a valve to the back of mine really handy for the odd jar this time of year

 

[Erichalfbee]

The old timers always said wait until the American Flowering Currant (Ribes Sanguineum) is in bloom. Unfortunately there are so many garden cultivars now that flower all over the calendar that it's no longer a good guide.

Our currant has been flowering for a week.
The T is 1˚ this morning and there is quite a frost.

 

[enrico]

I have noticed one or two newbies worried about if their bees are still alive. A good and easy way to test in cold weather is to put your ear flat to the side of the hive and tap the hive with your nuckle once. You will hear the bees buzz. When you get good at it you will be able to tell if they are strong or weak, where they are in the hive and all without opening them at all! .... A couple of warnings. Don't stand at the front of the hive and don't do it on a warm day unless you are suited and booted!
Just a tip that has heartened me when I thought hives were 'dead'
E

 

[drstitson]

Alan Byham (SE RBI) advocated taking a look at first proper opportunity (ie he'd already done his a week or two back).

 

[itma]

I have noticed one or two newbies worried about if their bees are still alive. ... When you get good at it you will be able to tell if they are strong or weak, where they are in the hive and all without opening them at all! .... A couple of warnings. Don't stand at the front of the hive and don't do it on a warm day unless you are suited and booted!
...

Another chance to mention a see-through polycarbonate crown board.
Allows seeing in without disturbing the bees.
Absolutely brilliant thing for 'novice nerves' and any other form of curiosity. It ain't an observation hive, but its massively cheaper/simpler/more practical and can be retro-fitted to any (or every) hive that uses a conventional crownboard.
Definitely ought to be part of every beginner's hive!

Alan Byham (SE RBI) advocated taking a look at first proper opportunity (ie he'd already done his a week or two back).

And I had a mail-out from one local Association Secretary on 23 Feb advocating taking advantage of the then-mild weather to do a quick stores and brood check. That very day, (uncertain of my hefting) I'd had a look at stores on outer frames, but didn't want to go 'in' as far as the brood.

 

[REDWOOD]

If you can't see any bees coming and going then tap the side of the hive, a few bees at least should come out and have a look to see who is knocking. Make sure you have your bee suit on !!!

And I think the saying goes patience is a virtue posses it if you can, often found in women and never in a man