One of the rarely collected pollens in the moderate coastal climate around
Vancouver, British Columbia is a red pollen from Red Cedar (Thuja plicata -
"red" cedar because of the reddish wood). It's a wind-dispersed pollen and
probably not that nutritious for bees. It's not tomato red though, On a
corbicula, it looks sort of waxy red. Perhaps there's a related conifer
near Malcolm.
 
Local conditions:
Last weekend the hives in northern B.C. here, were brought out of their
winter buildings. Some of the yard sites still have a foot or so of snow
from drifts or from being in the shade. Others are too wet for vehicle
access. So the hives are in a few holding yards. Overall mortality: 10 -15
% (of 1200) died over winter, mostly from queen failure since September. A
group of 72 colonies I'm running in a stock test (Buckfast vs locally
selected tracheal mite resistant vs "standard") , requeened in late July,
had 4 die, one from queen failure, other 3 unknown, they consumed very
little of their stores.
        Yesterday was calm and about 7 degrees C. The hives in the sun were
quite active, but I couldn't see any pollen being gathered. The willows are
out, but we haven't found any yielding pollen yet (the bees are looking
more than I am.)
 
Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1201 103 Ave
Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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