Everyone I've spoken with reports uneven and reduced levels of nectar flow this entire spring season.
Just before the summer solstice, the white crapes begin to bloom. This is the source of nectar that finishes off my honey. Their flow is going strong, at least for the next few weeks.
On the right side of this blossom head you'll see one of the ladies coming in for a load.
After these finished blooming I'll look for Spanish needles to continue to support the hives but I'm not sure what else will be available.
I extract once a year on the 4th of July weekend After that I'll see how the bees continue to store and then begin feeding as necessary until the fall begins sometime in September.
After I extract I intend to push the bees down into a reduced number of boxes. That way whatever is available they'll be able to store more effectively. As mite, small hive beetles and wax moth populations rise to critical levels this will help them by reducing the area the police.
