>In the spring there's no nectar for about a month (at least here) until
>the Maples flower.  So unlike the later spring/summer the bees don't have a
>belly full of nectar for extra fuel.  If the weather gets cold, or they get
>too excited about pollen, it's not surprising that they'd miscalculate it
>and die in front of the hive.

To put it even simpler, I think formation of ATP is conditioned by temperatures. The flight itself warms the body, but the cold is faster plus the need to create nectar for pollen on the feet.

So far, it works for me and I haven't noticed the fall of bees in front of hives for a long time, when I just apply a 1: 1, 12V accumoto spraying of sweetened water directly to the empty cells around the bees. During the second and third spring inspections of beehives. The very presence of fresh water in free cells simulates the benefits and bees have a chance to pre-supply more before traveling to resources. 1:1 water sugar, plus ascorbic and citric acids.

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