Winter Bees

After the recent cold snap with temperatures down in the single digits for far too long, it's nice to have more temperate weather.  This week, with highs in the 40's and 50's, sunny skies, and gentle breezes, the bees have been out again.

Bees hole up in their hives when the bitter weather comes, clustering together to keep warm.  Even the recent lows don't seem to have bothered them.  After a few million years, they've got the hang of dealing with adverse conditions.

It's been a joy to see them out and about.  It's still far too early for them to go foraging for nectar, as the first blooms are still a few weeks away.  But since bees won't defecate in the hive, and won't fly when it's too cold, they need these warm days to go out and relieve themselves in what are called "cleansing flights."  They also take advantage of these warmer days to clear the hive of dead bees.  Though it can be a bit alarming to see a bunch of dead bees on the porch of the hive, it is actually a reassuring sign that the bees are still thriving and taking care of business.  A weak or dead hive would simply let the dead bees lay; by carrying them out, they show that they are still taking care of business.

Soon the first flowers of the season will appear.  We'll start seeing the crocuses that have survived the moles.  For the first time, I'll be able to look at dandelions in the yard with a smile rather than a sigh.  Then the bees will really kick into high gear, a steady stream leaving and entering the hive, bringing back their loads of nectar and pollen.  It's a happy sight and a happy sound, one I am very much looking forward to.  For now, I'm enjoying the early flights of the bees as they take wing on these respites from winter.