What did you do in the Apiary today?

[user 22450]

9 Celsius and I haven't been able to visit the apiary much since before Christmas.
Fed one hive [single BB] with Ambrosia as they have a record of numerical strength and had average stores in October. They didn't have the usual dedicated super which is my practice.
The other is a potential loss being two weaker colonies combined after a disastrous September varroa treatment leaving no sign of Qs, but 2 BBs with plenty of stores: totally quiet, no sign of anything except stores through the central hole in the crown board. Reluctantly I lifted the upper BB to reveal a moderate cluster in the bottom BB. So quickly put everything back. I was concerned that if that colony was dead the other hive would rob. Given what I have seen it will be leave alone until 15 Celsius [March?] and tape the join between the BBs as I broke the propolis seal.

 

[gregior]

9 Celsius and I haven't been able to visit the apiary much since before Christmas.
Fed one hive [single BB] with Ambrosia as they have a record of numerical strength and had average stores in October. They didn't have the usual dedicated super which is my practice.
The other is a potential loss being two weaker colonies combined after a disastrous September varroa treatment leaving no sign of Qs, but 2 BBs with plenty of stores: totally quiet, no sign of anything except stores through the central hole in the crown board. Reluctantly I lifted the upper BB to reveal a moderate cluster in the bottom BB. So quickly put everything back. I was concerned that if that colony was dead the other hive would rob. Given what I have seen it will be leave alone until 15 Celsius [March?] and tape the join between the BBs as I broke the propolis seal.

if I can't see them I just blow down the frames, they will buzz if they're alive.

 

[Murox]

9 Celsius and I haven't been able to visit the apiary much since before Christmas.
Fed one hive [single BB] with Ambrosia as they have a record of numerical strength and had average stores in October. They didn't have the usual dedicated super which is my practice.
The other is a potential loss being two weaker colonies combined after a disastrous September varroa treatment leaving no sign of Qs, but 2 BBs with plenty of stores: totally quiet, no sign of anything except stores through the central hole in the crown board. Reluctantly I lifted the upper BB to reveal a moderate cluster in the bottom BB. So quickly put everything back. I was concerned that if that colony was dead the other hive would rob. Given what I have seen it will be leave alone until 15 Celsius [March?] and tape the join between the BBs as I broke the propolis seal.

I get itchy fingers too, but as you realised you were a wee bit too previous.

 

[user 22450]

I get itchy fingers too, but as you realised you were a wee bit too previous.

Yes - we live and learn!

 

[The Poot]

Mine were all busy today too. Like you last years buckfast much busier than the rest. Interestingly I have one with a local queen who has had a nil varroa drop all winter. Might have to try and get a daughter from her.

A little strange today, as my Buckfast were out and about again, but I didn’t see any pollen going in. One of my three locals was somewhat busy (about half that of the Buckfasts), but the majority of bees were returning with small amounts of pollen. The other two locals were conspicuous by their absence.

 

[Xander]

Thats given me an idea. Thanks! I'll post how I get on....

 

[Swarm]

Took advantage of the gorgeous, sunny morning to find an excuse to visit the farm for some bee therapy. Despite the sun, I was surprised by a very chilly breeze that we didn't have back home but nevertheless, the bees were out in droves. I sat next to the Oak tree stand for a while, the Oak tree colony is now two colonies and each as busy as the other, They are as dark as any of my Amm colonies and coming home laden with Gorse and Hazel pollen, wonderful bees.
Moved on to check a few nucs I'm over wintering that are going to a friend's apiary to replace his grumpy bees, all flying and looking happy.
Therapy session over, headed back to crack on in the garden.

 

[Penninetrader]

Took advantage of the gorgeous, sunny morning to find an excuse to visit the farm for some bee therapy. Despite the sun, I was surprised by a very chilly breeze that we didn't have back home but nevertheless, the bees were out in droves. I sat next to the Oak tree stand for a while, the Oak tree colony is now two colonies and each as busy as the other, They are as dark as any of my Amm colonies and coming home laden with Gorse and Hazel pollen, wonderful bees.
Moved on to check a few nucs I'm over wintering that are going to a friend's apiary to replace his grumpy bees, all flying and looking happy.
Therapy session over, headed back to crack on in the garden.

Just come inside for a snack, what you describe is very similar in my patch but no pollen in evidence, very cold but still flying and the last of the stragglers just arriving home which is a surprise. I am wondering whether the stragglers were scouts who had travelled some distance from their colony. I think we are under starters orders.