>>why bees drop on the snow on the ground on cool, sunny days.


the loss looks worse than it actually is.  

When we put out our bees from inside, the first day is always the worst 
for bee loss, especially if the day dosent materialize. 
Some fly off worthlessly, and yet others simply stay tight in cluster.  
Why?  
Same by bees wintered outside, some fly, and others stay put.  

Bee Biology at work that I can only speculate on.  

But one thing I know for certain its just a loss that is taken and we 
carry on.  I figure as long as we are proactive at helping relieve disease 
pressure, it is sometimes best to let nature take its course,.

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