I'm surprised nobody has mentioned seeing overwintered drones in their hives. Maybe my memory is failing me or I was just convinced that drones were not kept through the winter, but it seems to me it use to be I didn't see drones in March in Vermont. The last maybe 5 years or so I see plenty of drones in strong queenright hives. Could be I just never noticed them and they where always there or its cause of the strips or maybe the breed. I cant be the only one out here seeing this. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::