If the bees are bringing in pollen does it mean there is also nectar available?
NO. They find dry pollen all winter. Nectar only comes from fresh blooms.
Thanks Iddee, I have windows in the hives and the super so I can check on them.....I have seen Elderberry blooming in the area...not sure if it is close enough for my bees...also have a dozen big plants of African Basil that are still blooming. Not enough to feed 4 hives but better than nothing...Bottle Brush starting to show some blooms also.
I didn't mean there was no nectar coming in. I just meant the presence of pollen coming in was not a sure sign of nectar coming, too. You can have nectar anytime the blooms are producing in your area and other conditions are right. It's just that pollen is not an indicator. Look in your hive window for uncapped honey. That is nectar coming in.
And some plants offer better/more pollen but some nectar. And some the reverse.....
the girls woll also use certin tree sap too, durning a dirth