Bees in the northern Champlain valley are the strongest I've seen in 
years for April 18. Three box broodnests full of bees from top to 
bottom. Most still heavy enough with feed. Apples should be starting by 
the end of the month. Everything seems two weeks early.

What to think? Who knows. We're working by the blooms and not by the 
calendar date...so we started supering yesterday. Dandelions are opening 
and it's time.

2010 was very similar. Two to three weeks early. Bees very strong at 
dandelion bloom. Good honey year. I think the biggest issue we face at 
this time, in the valley, is the lack of moisture. The bees are there, 
the plants look in good shape, but we had better get the rain we need. 
The biggest issue we'll face later in the season...varroa mite factories 
in the boomers.

Mike
> I would like to hear from the
> North East beekeepers with
> their take on the bloom.
> Please state your location.
>
> I don;t like it,
> I'm predicting black locust
> will be a bust, bees aren't
> strong enough at this
> time of the year.
>    

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