Question about bees and water

[Dallasbeek]

Other than for cooling the hive, how do bees use water?  My bees have a constant procession to and from my bird bath even at 55 degrees F.  It doesn't seem to me they'd need water to cool the hive at that temperature.  The hive is in full sun from about 10 am on, but they're hitting the water even when the hive is shaded.

[BeeMaster2]

Dallas,
They also need water to dilute the honey for digestion and feeding young. During the winter, they usually get it off the sides of the hive.
Jim

[Dallasbeek]

Jim,

Makes sense.  Don't know why I didn't know that.  I guess I "know" a lot that I don't think of.  Or maybe I just think I know a lot.   

[BeeMaster2]

 

[Michael Bush]

All animals need water to live.  Bees need water to live.  They also need it to cool the hive.  They also need it to digest their food, same as we do.

[Acebird]

Life as we know it resolves around water.  That is why the first thing scientist look for on a planet is water even if it is ice.

[jalentour]

They raided my dog's water bowl this winter. 
When I was in the deer stand during hunting season they would fly by me all day on their way to the creek.