'For my part, I have not noticed consistently larger winter clusters and hope I do not. When I started beekeeping in the mid-1960's the #1 beekeeperproblem was keeping bees from starving to death during the winter. Following a 'normal' year, that problem has largely disappeared in the Northeast and I attribute that to the widespread acceptance of NWC's.' Lloyd, How big are your NWC clusters at this time of the year (1st week in March)? My NWCs cover about 4-5 frames when the temperatures are in the 30's. Are your NWC clusters about the same? We are still some 8 weeks from the start of the typical Long Island flow giving some 3 brood cycles by the 1st week in May - I think enough to fill two deeps with bees when the temps move up into the 70s. Would you agree with this? Thank you. Waldemar Long Island, NY :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::