Bees returning with pollen...

[Walliebee]

There has been a lot of activity around the hives this week. I have noticed them bringing in pollen for the first time this year! I know... it's only the 11 of January, but it's still fun and exciting to see!

It's a slow day at work, so I filmed a little video for you to see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwWJCxYjwwc

The plants are Japanese Apricot, Stinking Hellebore, and Camellia. They are also working the Winter Honeysuckle, Wintersweet, Winter Jasimine. I love living in a climate where there's aways something in bloom, as well as something for the girls to do.

[Little John_NC]

Hey Wallie
Bees over here in Lilesville just east of Rockingham bring in pollen from the red bud trees,and a few maples that are blooming. I liked the movie......... John

[arjay]

i had one hive bringing pollen two days ago, light yellow and a decent amount of it. we're in new jersey.

[Brent Bean]

I’m jealous I won’t be seeing bees bring in pollen for at least another two and a half months.

[yoyo]

same here lots of yellow pollen. been like it for two weeks, and dandelions in bloom!!!'

[Joseph Clemens]

Here in my apiary the bees are bringing in "some" pollen year-round, but at this time of the year it isn't very much. I watch them most days recently and see pollen very light yellow, medium yellow, and even some dark orange. I recognize the light yellow as Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata), discussed at http://www.desertusa.com/creoste.html, some of which are blooming at all times of the year. I'm pretty sure the medium yellow is wild mustard (Brassica kaber) which responds well to the cooler temperatures and increased soil moisture we are presently experiencing. I am still wondering where the carrot orange pollen is originating from, but I am keeping my eyes open to look for its source.

[BULLSEYE BILL]

The only pollen we get here this time of the year is grain dust. But that's ok, it still works.

[Steve717]

My bees are bringing in some dull yellow polen this week.

A week ago the low was 15F for 2 days.

[taipantoo]

The dark orange pollen may be from crocus'.

[bluegrass]

My bees bring in saw dust this time of year, They really like it when I mill cherry. I can't imagin that it is of any use to them, but it keeps them busy.

[Kevin M]

Is it true that flowers/plants retain some pollen long after they've died from a frost..? I'm wondering because it sees awful early for pollen in NJ.Could those NJ bees be collecting pollen from dead plants...?

[arjay]

i honestly can't imagine where they found it. i don't know much about plants, but second week of january in central jersey - even with the warm weather - seems really early for anything to bloom. not even my crocuses are up yet. it's possible they got into some sawdust, like one of the other posters mentioned. or maybe they have a dealer somewhere... i hear the first taste is free.

[Kevin M]

Arjay, i live on eastern long island,ny and last winter on really nice days i saw a few bees bringing in pollen. I'm sure nothing was blooming at the time. I think i read somewhere bees will find and bring home pollen from dead plants.Maybe one of the more experienced beeks know and will comment...

[A.I.]

I'm up by Lake Ontario. When the temp was in the 60s, this week, I did see a couple of bees with yellow pollen. In the surrounding fields there were some dandelions blooming---rare, but they were blooming.

[taipantoo]

It is also too early for my crocuses right now, but when they do come up, they come up right through the snow.
This is not my image, I Googled it.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/taipantoo/crocus.jpg