oak pollen

greezykid · February 28, 2010, 07:39:52 PM

I am just getting started in Ocala Fl. with 2 hives.The weather warmed up today
to the high 60's and the bees were flying like crazy.Quite a sight for somsbody new.
They were comeing back to the hive with baskets loaded, but I'm sure it's oak pollen.
Any problems with that?

Hemlock · February 28, 2010, 09:52:10 PM

What color was the pollen? Oak flowers are green or tan with a very dull pale pollen. I never seen bees on oak before.

fish_stix · February 28, 2010, 10:11:04 PM

No problem with it at all, mine are doing the same. As far as bees working the oaks, I have 2 oaks in my backyard and can sit on the patio and watch them working it like mad. Hemlock, we have several species of oaks in FL that bees work for pollen but we don't have many of the white oaks that you have up north.

greezykid · February 28, 2010, 10:19:21 PM

The pollen is much closer to a light yellow,also have some pines but you can see the
pollen in oaks and its beginning to cover cars.I'm sure this area will break out in bloom
in the next few weeks.Also should I keep the sugar water on the menu.

Hemlock · February 28, 2010, 11:21:33 PM

I stand humbly corrected.
Do you know what species of oak the bees are hitting?

b reeves · March 01, 2010, 08:42:17 AM

The two main types are Live Oaks, and Laurel Oaks, then there are another 15 or so variety's, keep pumping the sugar , do you have them in a single deep? the queen will fill that in, put your top super on when it is about 60-80% filled, feed them till they stop taking it
Bob

greezykid · March 01, 2010, 08:12:03 PM

They are in a single medium,they are taking
some sugar.I think pines are also
providing some pollen.What effects how much
sugar they take? I have top mason jar feeder
with 6 holes in it and #8 hardware cloth .I looked
today and they are clinging to hardware cloth.
Quart jar has gone down 1/2 inch in 4 days.

b reeves · March 01, 2010, 10:19:08 PM

The amount of feed depends on the quantity of brood, When were you going to check to see if the queen is laying?

greezykid · March 02, 2010, 04:43:58 AM

I had planned on going in this week.I got these from David Miksa last week
and don't think he would let them leave without laying queen.Opening hive
will be part of my learning experience.I do have supers and frames ready,I
will just have to decide when to add.The one thing I can see is they have no
shotage of pollen they are bringing in pollen all day.I think I'll look today.Thanks
for your help.