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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Date:
Tue, 9 Apr 2013 15:27:24 -0700
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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
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Subject:
Why do bees hover over dry pollen supplement powder?
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From:
Ryan Williamson The Mouse Works <[log in to unmask]>
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This spring I set out trays of pollen supplement powder for the bees to feed on.   The tray was right out side the window from our couch so I spent far too much time watching hundreds of bees hovering over the powder.   I learned a lot about the ebbs and flows of spring natural pollen due to temperature swings and time of day.    But what intrigued me the most was how it seemed like the bees spent 90% of the time hovering and only occasionally would dip down to collect some powder.   Why?     

My best theory is that they are generating a bit of a positive charge so the dry powder will stick to their pollen baskets as the supplement is not as sticky as natural pollen.   Or is something else going on?   

Ryan

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