[Beelosopher]

Hey all central NYers.

I wanted to ask if anyone has confirmed a flow yet. I think my bees were pulling in pretty well for part of the maple flow, but still haven't seen them pick up with dandelion yet. They are hauling pollen like crazy, but not sure that any real flow has been on. Anybody in NY area have different data to report?

a couple action shots, anybody know what the white flowers are? Decent picture as it appears she is going for nectar on that that flower (you can see her tongue out).

 

[Beelosopher]

can't seem to get the pics to upload... Unless I resize them

 

[Beelosopher]

You got it wildbranch - they appreciate the pure cane variety you use

I noticed last night that my pear trees blossoms are about to burst open (should open today). First apple blossom at my house will be today or the next two days as well. As for the dandelions and others, I am only seeing pollen being worked, and mostly from bumblebees. There must be other stuff out there they like better right now. I am seeing orange and yellow pollen mostly; some white but very little of that. Seems like pollen is in high supply, with some trickling nectar flows, but not big boomers where I am yet.

I will have to look for dogwood trees around here.

 

[Beelosopher]

Good to hear Dan. I am in an odd microclimate where I live, so I anticipate some improvement soon if that is what you are seeing in auburn. Generally a bit behind (usually a week or so). Willow and pussy willow here are still buds and have not flowered, same with my cherry trees. Actually was very surprised to see a couple open apple blooms compared to everything else in my yard.

 

[Beelosopher]

You might/should remove the entrance reducers on your hives during the last couple of 80 degree days. Mine were fanning and I don;t have any restrictions on the entrances. assuming you hives are pretty full of bees.

I actually made some screened inner covers and put them on the hives (along with SBB's for each). I had so many issues with robbing last year I am planning on keeping my entrances reduced all year. Might change that. But should have plenty of ventilation between the screened inner covers and the SBB.

that tiny entrance is one of my split medium nucs. That one is also on a SBB and a screened inner cover.

 

[Beelosopher]

Nice trees Dan, I have a bunch I am waiting on too, some mature, some that should be giving me some fruit this year for the first time. Recently finished pruning.

Pears, apples, cherries, dandelions, and all sorts of things unseen. Don't get in a rush. The flow will come. Be prepared for it.

Best part about having bees in your back yard - you can check them everyday all day

Worst part about having bees in your back yard - you can check them everyday all day

 

[Beelosopher]

Definitely not Dogwood, Mike.

Hey Mark do you know what they are?

 

[Beelosopher]

maybe these will help, or not

 

[Beelosopher]

Plant identification is tough. I always try to learn them, so when I forget them later I can say, hey I used to know the name of that plant

 

[Beelosopher]

bugmeister

Well done! I need to taste it, but that looks dead on. I will have to try some and add it to a salad ha!

I bookmarked that webpage too - lots of good stuff on there

 

[Beelosopher]

Noticed that the bees were working my apples blossoms for nectar, not majorly, but just a few. Same for dandelions. When I went into my hives this weekend I noticed they all were doing well and had put on some weight and were drawing out the frames I put in when I split to make some nucs. Looks like if my queens make it, I will be about where I was hoping for this year.

Next I will have to see about timing my over wintering nuc colony splits for my brood break. From my notes on nectar flows from last year, that means I will need to confine the queen, or remove her, in late June/early July. That also means that I better get to grafting in the next week or so if I plan to do it this year.