Well, they are wrapped up for the winter. Out flying on good days, and even finding some pollen !

 

The ECBA hosted Randy Oliver last weekend. If I can retain about 5% of what he shared with us, I'll be amazed. 

Waiting for Spring

The 2 large hives and the nuc didn't survive (varroa in the 2 and the nuc froze). I didn't treat the 2 hives until October, so they were probably doomed at that point. The hive on the end survived and they seem to be doing well. Anyway, I have packages and a nuc of Carnis on order for spring, and have begun to set up the deeps. Still learning ...

Not like last year ...

Saturday, January 7 it was 52F here (??!!). Warm and sunny enough to open the hives for a quick check. Everybody looks fine, they are munching on the winter patties and flying around a bit. The Carnis are in a smaller cluster, but that is their nature. It's my first year with them, so still learning. The Italians all look good, one hive has moved up into the honey super that I had left for them.