Still Alive! 60 degrees F. on February 19, 2016

West Michigan is known for its erratic weather, today is a good example. It is 60 degrees Fahrenheit in February.  My honeybees are out taking their cleansing flights.  Cleansing flight meaning they've been "holding it" until they can come out and defecate or you know, poop. Honeybees are hygienic.  They like cleanliness and order. Because of this they will not do their duty in the hive unless they are under severe stress. They wait and wait and wait until a day like today presents itself and then out they go.

Honeybee poop! The little spots on the top cover are from the bees. If you are out there when they are whatever you're wearing will also be spotted.  

My remaining live hive at my place surrounded by empty hives that didn't make it. I figures they'd at least make a good windbreak till spring.  I have one other hive at a friends place that is still alive also. 

Honeybee cleansing flights

Happy February!  Today is February 1st, 2016 and it is near 40 degrees F. with sunshine this afternoon in West Michigan. A winter day that would strongly beckon any beekeeper to take a stroll out to their hives in search of signs of life.  Are the bees out? Are the dead being brought out? Is the snow around the hives spotted with orange and yellow?  If so, a smile spreads across the beekeepers face. So was the case with me today.  My two remaining hives are still alive and for this I am very thankful.  I try not to get too excited though as we have many a cold night until we see pollen or nectar available.  Last year my bees were bringing in pollen on March 31st.

Honeybees on a sunny winter afternoon in February returning to their top entrance hole after taking a cleansing flight.

This girl is soaking up the sun on the front of the hive. February 1, 2016. 40 degrees F.