>How predictable is the timing of blooms for the major forages? 

Times van vary by as much as 2 weeks.
Once you notice the first bloom, you
may be perhaps a week or two late,
because bloom times will be earlier
in valleys and low lands. 

Bloom calendar can provide a start,
but is best to make your own calendar
next season, by watching the blooms.

I divide my calendar by 1/2 month first
bloom times.

In my area, 
April	 1 to 15 - cherry, peach, dandelion  

April	15 to 30 - Apples, Pears, Mustard,  
Black Cherry,  Downey Serviceberry 

Last Week in April - first swarm ,

May 1 to 15,   Black Locust

May 15 to 31  Tulip popular

I'll super up 2 weeks prior to first bloom.

Remember not to under super for 
black locust which in boom years 
can fill 3 or 4 supers, so I stack
3 supers on strong colonies for early
flow, 2 weeks prior to first bloom.

Best Wishes,
J. Waggle
SW Pennsylvania

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles/
"Thomas Butler, of Bloomington, Ill.,
was to have been married Tuesday evening.
Tuesday afternoon he accidentally
overturned a hive of bees and was stung
nearly to death. On the principle that
he had suffered enough for one day, the
wedding was postponed."
-1881 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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