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The girls are emptying our birdfeeder that was loaded with grain. They seem to be pushing it out one grain at a time and of course it is overflowing onto the ground. They are also exploring the upper areas of the emptied feeder. Could they be scouts looking to inhabit this feeder? It was 72 degrees today and overcast. Has been raining for two or three days. I have never seen or heard of this so any guesses or comments are welcome. 4th year beekeeper and always learning.
Clark
They may not be able to carry the larger pieces, but are probably seeking the grain dust. Here's an older related thread:
http://www.beesource.com/forums/show...er-Corn-Feeder
Maybe they are getting pollen or the sugars from the seeds. If it has been damp where your are like it has been in NC, the seeds are fermenting a little...that will cause sugars to increase and the bees might be attracted to it. I would not think that it would be a swarm scout at this time of year...But I could be wrong about the scouts and the pollen or sugars.
Open feed some dry pollen substitute and watch the show!!
Clark,
Langstroth ? Perhaps see how they like teaspoon of whole wheat flour. Got plenty of room ? Perhaps deploy bait hive w/ piece old comb. Good Luck ! :)
Cheers,
Drew
You queens have started laying and the bees are looking for protein. Time to feed them dry protein supplement or put a protein patty on the brood nest, depending on weather.
Much better for the bees than grain dust.
Peter