[log in to unmask] wrote:
> My uncle from Poland suggested the bees tend to fly out in the late 
> winter to collect water to dilute the stored honey in order to feed 
> the increasing brood.

Some time ago I read a very interesting piece on Dennis Murrell's site 
about wintering, ventilation, and water. Dennis put a plexiglass cover 
on a hive for the winter and observed the goings on. His observations, 
as usual, are worth review:

http://bwrangler.farvista.net/gwin.htm

He also experimented with water feeders. I'm sure you'll find it and 
interesting read.

George-
----------------
George Fergusson
Whitefield Maine

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