> Are those (over wintered) drones any good for mating queens by the time
spring comes
> around?

Hmmm.  Dunno.

Speculation (based on Frasier the lion), yes absolutely!

Postulation based on the fact that things are fine in the queen's
spermatheca, yup.  Although the drones may be treated quite differently in
the winter cluster than is the queen, so perhaps it is incorrect to
postulate the condition of a drone's sperm based on the queen's sperm.

SWAGulation: Overwintered drones are old and tired and need viagra to get it
up!

I think it's probably moot because few if any will get the chance to rise to
the occasion.  I wonder if DCAs (drone congregation areas) form in early
spring?   Anyone?

This whole conversation hints to me the wisdom of mid-summer nucs to
overwinter rather than trying to get early spring drones to mate with early
season queens.

Aaron Morris - thinking my exam scores say I'm a master, my bees this spring
say otherwise.

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