what the heck are they doing?

KONASDAD · November 27, 2006, 05:52:42 PM

We are having unseasonably warm weather here and my bees are as active as in June. They are going in and out by the hundreds, returnung w/ seemingly nothing. They fly high, as w/o any weight and no pollen sacs either.

buzzbee · November 27, 2006, 08:06:45 PM

Probably"cleansing flights" ;)

qa33010 · November 28, 2006, 03:12:34 AM

I've had only what I can describe as orientation flights for the past couple days, except today. Still drone in two hives.

Scadsobees · November 28, 2006, 11:46:51 PM

Mine act like they are busy, but in reality they are flying everywhere and anywhere looking for anything to forage. I spot them regularly checking out my house (green siding) and flying too and fro. :mrgreen:

The weather may tell them that it is good to work, but there is not anything to be done. :(

-rick

beemaster · November 29, 2006, 01:09:17 PM

Do forget Bees also return with water in their crops - may not be as needed now as in warmer times, but honey is exhaustable food for heat, a simple drink of water helps bowels flow better in cleansing flights and is often better than returning empty when nothing else can be found.

KONASDAD · November 30, 2006, 11:56:19 AM

I have reached the conclusion that scadsobees is correct. They're foraging, but finding little to nothing. Which leads me to the next question.

This fall, according to local beeks, was one of the poorest in years and many hives are starving this fall. Since thay are active, and they'res no food, I assume they are using up their stores. This will necessitate earlier feeding or not this spring?

Jarhead · November 30, 2006, 06:17:29 PM

Nice day in Central N.J. bees bringing back pollen in all colors. I have no clue as to where they are finding the pollen. I heard a blind squirrel can find a nut once in a while. :-D

Kris^ · December 01, 2006, 08:06:38 PM

Hiya there!

I've been too busy to watch the bees this week, but the last time we had a warm spell (a week or two ago?) they were bringing back lots of pollen. As far as this fall went, it was very poor, honey-crop wise. I ended up feeding lots of syrup, and all but one of the hives have heavy stores. Hopefully, they still got them after this week. But I put a sugar board on top too, and if it doesn't melt all over, it gives them something to eat in February and March.

-- Kris

pdmattox · December 01, 2006, 11:24:01 PM

Hello, mine are bringing in orange and yellow pollen here in Florida.

Cindi · December 02, 2006, 02:27:18 PM

The last pollen I saw was about November 5, it was indeed bright yellow. Great day. Cindi