When do we know they made it through winter?

[oblib]

As the title says, assuming we are then able to check at least every couple of weeks on stores so they don't strarve, when can we count a hive as made it through?

[DBeeCooper]

JMO- but I'd say if they're raising drones they've completed the cycle.

[Maryland Beekeeper]

Never ?

[Michael Palmer]

Here in Vermont...when the Dandelion flow starts.

[oblib]

Dandelion.......... I should have thought of that..

[mac]

Red maple in Fl.

[AstroBee]

This is very location specific. For us we have dandelions in December through May, without a real massive flow from them. Our maples start in February, but everything shuts down again for a while after the maples and you can certainly lose colonies during this mini-dearth. I've lost hives during this period and have only beekeeper neglect to blame. So allowing for "neglect", I'd say the first real flow after the maples (typically fruit trees). However, assuming you're a good beekeeper, then if your bees make it to the maples, then you're probably in good shape, but watch them carefully - especially your biggest colonies.