Both September 22 and September 29 weekends' have been dedicated to feed the bees sugar syrup. They are still drinking a lot, and storing it for winter. In my car I have 10 gallons of sugary solution...6 white pails and 2 Jerry cans!
It is still very dry, and relatively warm. Most flowers are spent; few asters and goldenrods can be seen along the roads among the desiccated flora.
We are in a strange transitional weather pattern, with many fluctuations. But the honeybees seem to live their lives and continue to gather pollen, and some floral nectar. The drone ares still home but are roaming a bit more... they may fell that their days are counted. The foragers are collecting their last food of the season. The "winter" bees will be born soon and will live until spring. The queen is laying fewer eggs as the cold and shorter days are approaching. All must be ready, and final touches are underway.
I will check their syrup levels again at the end of the week. It is supposed to be colder with a couple of nights in the 30's. That means the bees will form a ball to keep warm and will stop drinking the sugar solution.
This bee seemed to have fun in the sun...flower! She will bring all that bounty home. |
| Honey bee gathering pollen Photo: L. Vogel |
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