It has been a strange and challenging beginning for the bee season.  We were installing bees in snow in late March and early April followed a month of cold weather.  Dandelions were three weeks late in blooming.  Following a short period of good foraging weather we started to rain.  Record rain for June already.  The bees did not store much.  Kept the sugar water on.

When we finally got a break, the nectar flow seemed to have started in high gear - thistle, alfalfa, clovers all suddenly blooming.  I have been surprised at how much honey I found in hives I needed to wade in order to inspect.   Hives are strong.  I have had a very active swarming season.  Perhaps the bees used the unflyable days to make plans for swarming.  We are late, but now flowing.  Fingers crossed.

Larry Krengel
Illinois/Wisconsin boarder

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