definitely... or I should say if you are working the bees and the nectar flow suddenly stop you will definitely recognize the VERY different behavior of the bees.

 

I was thinking more of just watching their behavior, not opening them up.

90% of my bees come out of the hive and fly in the same direction the rest seem to go towards water. Every one of them, coming or going, seems to have a purpose. It has been the same since I installed the hive, except 2 days that the bees seemed to come out of the hive and all go in different directions but it didn't last long.

I asked because I was trying to research what flower bloomed when but there are a lot of variables. I think it would be easier if I could just learn to read the bees to know if a flow is on or not.

Thanks

 

The observations at the entrance during a honey flow are very notable. Bees will be coming and going with great haste and purpose and care little about your prescence. Often late in the afternoon there will be incoming workers stacked up waiting to land similar to an international airport. Guard bees are very active checking the incoming workers laden with nectar. In the evening if you listen you will hear the bees fanning (a wonderful harmonic sound) as well as be able to smell the honey. In contrast, during a dearth bees will congregate at the entrance, washboard on the front of the hive and tend to be a more defensive.

 

Thanks.

Something must be blooming because I have bees landing above the entrance and crawling down the hive to get in. It is very busy.