will they make honey?

[Pond Creek Farm]

I have one hive that is my strongest.  It has two deeps, mostly full.  I have a medium super on top with starter strips .  They put drone comb in the center frame that looks ready to emerge.  All but two other frames, the bees have started to draw out comb and put in nectar.  There is even some capped honey on some of the frames.  Just this weekend, three to five acres of sunflowers that I planted in early June started to bloom with more on the way.  The bees are all over the blooms but I am not sure if they are collecting nectar or pollen.  Is this a situation where I could have some surplus honey to take? How often should I check the super for progress?

[Pond Creek Farm]

Update:  My son and I went to the hive this evening.  The one I am concerned about was bearding heavily (despite the fact that I know that they have an entire deep of HSC unoccupied).  The hive right next to them with Mann Lake PF-100 was fine.  Incidenatlly, I checked both today, and the one with the pf-100 had drawn 6 of the 10 in the upper deep.

[Bee-Bop]

Sounds like they are just plain hot !

I think for what its worth;
Raise the lid, I think you said you weren't useing inner covers ?

We are running 95 + degrees & high humidity 100 miles east of you.

I have SSB, veniliated tops, I still staggered the top two mediums and raised the top cover.

And Yep, they are still bearding in the afternoon sun.

Bee-Bop

[Moonshae]

When I had sunflowers last year, I know my bees got pollen, I'm not sure about nectar. If you're not using slatted racks, I suggest them...they work great to control bearding and give the bees a place to hang out.