From: Lloyd Spear <[log in to unmask]> > Quick, think of all the situations where bees might need syrup but have > plenty of pollen... > > Stumped? You should be. I can't honestly think of any situation where > bees need syrup but would have plenty of pollen. Ummmm...winter in much of the southeast? Despite one of the coldest winters on record here in SC, we had continuous bloom of charnack (wild radish, often called wild mustard), which is a poor nectar producer that makes large quantities of high quality pollen. This plant will bloom twelve months of the year, but becomes significant to the bees from December to April. Henbit, another good pollen producer has been blooming, with increasing amounts, since about the first of January. Bees always brood up well, when these two plants are available. In early spring we also have copius quantities of willow, alder, and maple to add. It's almost a glut of pollen, and all natural, all high quality. I think pollen supplements here, at this time, are redundant. If the pollen sources were of poor quality (as with citrus, sourwood or cotton), pollen supplement might be needed to keep them raising brood. Generally though, beekeepers move them to a good pollen source after a pollen-poor flow, or there is a natural succession of better pollen plants. Pollen supplements might also be good if bees are unable to forage for extended periods, but bad weather periods of more than a few days are rare here. The point is that I quickly thought of a pollen rich/nectar poor situation that is very ordinary for us. Conditions vary according to region and local flora, so beekeepers are wise to keep in touch with local beekeepers to learn what others are learning, and see what works in their own area. I found that, in moving a long distance, I had to learn beekeeping all over again. Dave SC USA The Pollination Home Page: http://pollinator.com (may soon be down briefly for some maintanance) :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::