Dave,

>>...in January we can expect between 2 and 5, February can be quite wild and vary between 3 and 10...

It would be difficult to have 2 frames of our bees in January make it to the spring here without some serious tender loving care...  I can understand how your AMM bees are optimum for your conditions (relatively mild winters, relatively low nectar flows scattered throughout the season).

You face some interesting challenges in your neck of the woods.  Indeed, all beekeeping is local. :)

Waldemar

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