I have a burn pile in my field about 50 yards in front of my hives. Yesterday, while mowing, I noticed a couple dozen bees hanging around the ashes left from the last fire. Any ideas on what they might be collecting ash for?
I've read similar accounts suggesting that it is either some mineral content, or just mistaken for pollen.
I live in the country and burn my trash. There's nearly always a couple bees nosing around the ashes.