Jim,

  You posted:
            " The only problem with this scenario is that we still lack
a mechanism to explain how evaporated nectar from plants
(honey) would become contaminated by the use of contaminated
water by the colony.  I am pretty sure that bees do not add
gathered water to honey, but instead, work hard to evaporate
the water out of the nectar.  :)"

   This is true during a strong nectar flow but before this, during brood
build up,I think that my"micro-tankers" that aren't collecting pollen are hauling
water (from upstream I hope) to dilute the stored honey that is still
disappearing.Are these the same bees that will be collecting nectar during next weeks
fruit bloom? Maybe there is contamination in the carrier?


            Jack

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