South Jersey Field Report

Kris^ · February 27, 2007, 04:50:37 PM

Today was in the upper 40s, sunshine off and on. Of the 10 hives I began winter with, 2 are definitely dead, with a third probably so. One of the dead ones was not well going into winter, but the other dead one was a hive I bought from Harvey last July, and it was strong going into winter with lots of stores. The third suspected hive was also the other Harvey hive I bought -- I could see bees inside the entrance, but none were coming out and flying. Both of the hives were Minnesota Hygienics, and I'm kinda disappointed it worked out this way. Of the remaining 7 showing activity, 5 are really strong and 3 of those were even orienting new foragers.

So far -- likely 30% loss. Still ahead of last year. I hope the weather moderates.

How's everyone else around doing?

-- Kris

KONASDAD · February 27, 2007, 05:04:02 PM

As you know I have two of Harvey's. One was weak going into fall and is still weak, but had bees doing orienting flights today at lunch. Lots of dead bees all winter long, but bees are still present. I am encouraged it might/will make it. My other is still going strong. I am hoping it will get warm enough to do a complete inspection and add some new frames to prevent swarming and some pollen patties in next few days.

Mici · February 27, 2007, 05:19:37 PM

have to check mine this weekend, temperatures will surely be over 15Â° C. well, so far 5/5, but we didn't have ANY winter this year. i have to check their supplyes although i fed them real good, ah well, we'll see

Understudy · February 27, 2007, 07:50:26 PM

Gosh I went into winter with two hives and came out with four. Oh well I guess that is winter in SoFla.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

BeeHopper · February 27, 2007, 09:52:03 PM

My 2 Buckfast colonies were observed last week with cleansing flights and housekeeping ( carrying out their dead sisters ). I really believed they would be dead, but to my surprise, I found them going about their business. What a nice feeling . :-D I am still baffled by the lost of my other colony last November whereas they completely absconded, leaving a large store of pollen, but no honey, probably the result of robbing after they left. :?

JBird · February 27, 2007, 10:07:35 PM

I too have two hives purchased last summer from Bob Harvey. Both are still alive at this point. My two other hives, one an Italian and one a Russian/Carniolan, are both still alive as well. I placed pollen patties on all hives today along with 2:1 syrup. They all needed the feeding as they were all up on top of the frames and pretty much out of stores.

Kris^ · February 27, 2007, 11:09:33 PM

The problem I figure with the two from Harvey was they were VERY strong going into winter, and although they were full up with stores, what with the mild weather we had until February -- well, they ate it all. Then the short little cold snaps we had hit, and they couldn't get to the sugar board. They were both doing well until two cold snaps ago (mid-February). Supposed to be in the upper 50s this Friday, so I guess I'll be leaving the office early and brewing syrup, if needed.

-- Kris

BeeHopper · February 28, 2007, 04:23:04 PM

I think that is all for South Jersey on this forum, I wonder how the BeeMaster is doing with his, afterall I consider him EAST Jersey. :-D

Kris^ · February 28, 2007, 10:51:33 PM

Quote from: BeeHopper on February 28, 2007, 04:23:04 PM
I think that is all for South Jersey on this forum, I wonder how the BeeMaster is doing with his, afterall I consider him EAST Jersey. :-D

He's not all that far from being a piney, as I understand it . . . ;)

-- Kris