[pannu96]

Well, one hive has at least 50 or more drones in it and most of the other ones have a similar amount. Is this normal at this time of the year?

 

[beepro]

Yep, the bees think that this is normal at this time of the year.
I don't see any drone in the middle of the winter. Do you?

 

[julysun]

I see drones the year around. It is true that I seldom have a week without a day or two of flyable weather. That may explain the drones.

 

[pannu96]

I was just curious because we just sort of came out of winter. I guess it is because of the pollen patties in January.

 

[Tenbears]

Even as far north as you are in B.C. the cycle of the hive has the queen beginning to ramp up in February, That means she has been laying eggs for six weeks or more. Even if the percentage is low she will lay some drones. With swarm season about to begin it is only natural that she would increase drone population as it nears leaving breading stock for the virgin queens left behind.