03/26/2025
Spring is here! What a beautiful day. I've been watching and waiting all winter. I want sure how the bees would fare, with the frigid temps, high winds, snow and mites I found late last summer. I checked the hives during one of the first warm spells earlier this month. No activity outside either hive. I was skeptical if either one made it. Good news a hive that made it through. I opened the top and found bees buzzing and eating the fondant and sugar water. They seem quite content. I opened the second one, I was not prepared for what was inside. They were all dead. There was a group of bees huddled on the top cover clinging to each other. The food I left in there late fall was gone, however their honey stores were not gone, which means they didn't starve to death. Such a sad sight to see all those poor bees huddled together. Inside the hive was cold and a little damp. On most surfaces there was small balls of propolis (bee glue) trying to seal up any holes or cracks. I inspected the winter cover and discovered a small area that was chewed through by a mouse. It was hidden from my view, by the insulation, I wrapped the bees hives with. Those dang critters, destroy so much stuff. Today when I was out watching the bees, I opened the dead hive and took out the group of bees that was huddled. Such a somber moment to hold about 100 lifeless bees. Their cold little bodies just lay limp in my hand like they were sleeping/hibernating. I laid them on a cover in the sun, letting them warm up in the sun. Looking for any signs of life. Knowing that there wouldn't be. I just sat, in the sun with them, apologizing and thanking them. I used the opportunity to take some up close pictures of them. Some were still clinging to each other (festooning). Their little tongues (proboscis) sticking out. I could see the hairs on their heads and legs where they pick up pollen. The hooks on the end of their legs. All so remarkable.
I am so grateful for the time I get to spend with these remarkable little creatures. The lessons they've taught me about patience and perseverance. To slow down and listen, and get out and enjoy nature.
I am hoping that sometime this spring, I will be able to split the hive that's doing well and move part of it to the empty hive, where they will make a new queen and start a new colony.
In the mean time I'll get my other supplies sorted and cleaned up and ready for when the flowers are in full bloom.
Not to worry, I do have plenty of honey in storage.
Thanks for following, your support and buying Al-bees honey.
