Given that I lost my bees over the winter last year, I have spent all winter nervously watching my bees for signs of a strong colony. My wife even got me a thermal imaging camera for Christmas so I could check the temperature of the hive when it’s too cold to open or see any external activity.
That photo is from late December, and it was a great sign that the bees were doing well. Since then, we’ve also had some days above 50 degrees, so I’ve been able to peek in and see the ladies out flying around.
This past weekend, I took advantage of the warmer weather and was able to open the hive and add some homemade bee fondant. This will help ensure they have plenty of food and don’t starve in this last little stretch of winter.
The colony appears to be very strong. Fingers crossed, knock on wood, etc. that we get a strong start to Spring!