Strong hives normally keep a few drones through the winter in the south. Sometimes a cold spell in late winter will mean many dead drones at the door, as bees belatedly toss them out. It isn't really even unusual for strong hives in the winter to keep some drones in the north, particularly if it is mild. The winter has been mild in the northeast. But I suspect a major difference is more observant beekeepers. In many seasons you can't even get to the hives in February in the north, and beekeepers, aware of the terrible losses, last year are getting in to check, ASAP. More care in mite treatment, more feeding = stronger hives, more apt to keep a few drones, and more watchful caretaking. Nothing freaky about that. .........And hardly evidence of African genes.