The Latest Buzz #5

April – First Inspections and Early Growth

April always feels like the bees are waking up faster than the world can keep up with them.

One day, it’s warm enough to stand in the sun without a jacket, watching steady streams of foragers returning home, legs packed with early pollen. The next day, it’s cold again - windy, gray, and quiet - and the hive pulls back in on itself like it never left. This back-and-forth weather is classic. It keeps you guessing, and it keeps the bees working in bursts. When the sun comes out, they rush - as if they know it won’t last. 

Even with the uncertain weather, there’s still something reassuring about seeing pollen being brought in. And while watching from the outside is just as important, this was the first month we were also able to comfortably open the hive for its first spring inspection. 

The first inspections of the season always come with a mix of excitement and nerves. You’re checking everything at once: Is the queen present? Is she laying well? How much food do they have left? Are they building up too fast? Too slow? You open the hive after months of mostly leaving them alone, and suddenly it’s all information, all at once.

Thankfully, our hive is building up nicely. Everything - everyone - appears very strong. With an added honey super, they’re already building out the comb quite quickly and even making some honey!

Overall, with less-than-ideal weather still lingering, we’re keeping a close eye on them and letting things unfold as they will. For now, it’s enough to see steady pollen and nectar coming in, strong activity at the entrance, and a hive that made it through winter ready to grow.

Here’s to a plentiful and cooperative bee season.