In the Apiary - February

Week Ending 10th February 2001:

Five days of rain at the beginning of the week not only provided the unique spectacle of the water table being at ground level but also kept the bees indoors. Friday however was vastly different and as the water dispersed so the sun came out, followed by the bees. All hives except number 2 showed signs of life. I was pleased to see that they were as friendly as last year as one bee landed on my hand and insisted on staying there whilst I took some photographs of the apiary. Today, Saturday, was very cold again and I was greeted by evidence of several deer having been in the garden during the night. Although there were hoof marks all round the hives, none had fortunately been disturbed.

Week Ending 3rd February 2001:

This has been a particularly cold week so once again the bees have been wise enough to stay indoors. I went round hefting (testing the weight of) the hives this morning and all except hive 7 seemed of ample weight. On the one hand this may indicate ample stores remaining but on the other hand it could indicate a dead colony who have eaten little. It's still too cold to risk a look.

I cannot remember our garden being such a quagmire before as witnessed by the moor-hen paddling on the lawn this morning.