Last Bee Pollen and Nectar

Manure spreader among goldenrods!

August 20, 2014

My friend Gayle made me laugh the other day. She was my handy dandy helper, recording the info seen on each frame for a study on Varroa mites.  While walking towards the colonies, I was happy to see  the goldenrods were finally flowering, and with her beautiful smile she said: "Are you talking about those weeds?" pointing to the wonderful patch they have on their property where my hives are located. I told her that it was fantastic to have so many right here for the bees. After all what we think are weeds, are very often the most appreciated flowers for honeybees like the dandelions in spring.

In the  fall the goldenrod bloom will be the last food they will take back to their hives before the snow starts falling! Thus an important plant for many pollinators.

I happen to like them, they look like feathers, and when it is windy they seem to dance in the patch!

The honeybees are busy filling their "pantry" bringing back tons of nectar and pollen. They will be industrious until the first frost. Then they will be staying indoors from November to April or so... That is 6 months. Can you stay home for 6 months and not go to the grocery store once? That's what I thought , me neither I cannot and I am a very good "planer". 

The bees' main job is to prepare for winter, consolidating their nest, making sure they have enough food, and that everyone is healthy. Soon, the worker bees (all females) will kick out all the drones (males) out of the hive . Remember  drones do not participate in any colony work, and now at the end of summer, sadly, no one needs them. By pushing them away, they will die of starvation just in front of the entrance. It is a survival reflex so they don't consume the food reserve. The worst I think is that I believe they know that they cannot go back in, we can see them crawling aimlessly on the grass in front of the hive...very sad indeed.