orientation

Carol · January 09, 2014, 02:39:19 PM

I see my bees do an orientation most everyday. Is that a sign that there are new bees constantly emerging? and at what age do they start orientation.

Sundog · January 14, 2014, 05:13:42 PM

Hi Carol

I doubt what you're seeing is orientation, unless your hives have been moved. Mine come out to play (and cleanse) by the hundreds on most days as the sun warms the hive, but I don't think they leave to forage. Sometimes when I water the plants, I "mist" over the hive and dozens will come out and they don't seem angry, but rather they seem to enjoy it.

Your results may differ... :bee:

Have fun!

8-)

johng · January 15, 2014, 03:01:50 PM

Yes, my hives are most defiantly raising brood. They were bringing in boat loads of pollen yesterday.

Carol · January 20, 2014, 12:24:53 PM

I've been gone a week and was concerned with the frost...but they are bringing in pollen today....lots of very light and some orange.

BeeMaster2 · January 20, 2014, 12:51:16 PM

My bees are definitely building up, I can see it in the Observation Hive. In less than a month they went from no visible brood to a full brood pattern on one side and just starting to build brood on the other side. I do not know what they are doing on the inside but I suspect it is the same as what is on the visible sides. The outdoor hives are doing some orientating. Most days they have very few hours of good foraging. The are bringing in pollen. Our maples are in bloom and there are also 2 other plants providing orange/red and yellow pollen.
Jim

Carol · January 20, 2014, 04:56:19 PM

Bees were bringing in lots of light colored pollen all day....at 1530 they were doing what I believe is an orientation....lots of bees. I have noticed that the hives take turns. I never see them both orienting at the same time.

BeeMaster2 · January 21, 2014, 12:44:44 PM

Quote from: Carol on January 20, 2014, 04:56:19 PM
Bees were bringing in lots of light colored pollen all day....at 1530 they were doing what I believe is an orientation....lots of bees. I have noticed that the hives take turns. I never see them both orienting at the same time.

Carol,
That sounds about right for orientating at this time of year. It is funny how they pick different times to do it in the same location. It is similar to my hives start and end flying at different temperatures in the same location. Mine are mutts and suspect it is their genetics differences that makes the difference.
Jim

johng · January 21, 2014, 03:05:58 PM

I saw the first drones of the year flying yesterday.