2010 has arrived

Although bees can sustain flight when air temperatures are over fifty degrees I hadn't seen any activity in my yard in the past weeks despite many days in the 50s. I checked on the MH hive throughout the winter so I knew they were doing well. I didn't open the hive, I put my ear against the side of the hive and listened to the sounds they were making and I picked up the bottom edge of the hive to make sure it wasn't too light. If either test indicated trouble there wasn't much I could do, but knowing the hive's status gave me a better idea of what to do when Spring does arrive.

Today I saw a bee make her way outside of the hive and turn around to scan her home. She flew side-to-side as she moved up and down the hive, making a mental image of what home looks like that she will reference for the rest of her life. I could tell by her behavior that this was her first time seeing the outside of her home, which makes sense because the bees that were old enough to venture outside last Fall are all dead by the time Spring arrives.

The crocus flowers in our yard are blooming and our big Maple is putting out a some pollen already. The bees aren't quite ready to take advantage of these yet but it was nice to see one of the ladies venture outside.

I haven't been out to the farm to check on the bees there in many months, my guess is that both hives are dead due to their late start last year and the cold winter we had. I hope to get out there soon to check on their status and make plans for the coming year.