Disclaimer:

This blog explains how I keep bees. It works for me, it might not work for you. Use my methods at your own risk. Always wear protective clothing and use a smoker when working bees.

Search This Blog

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Nectar Flow Update

Spotted Knapweed

Spotted Knapweed
The nectar flow is still chugging along. Some areas are still experiencing a flow, some areas the flow has waned. The bees in some locales have been displaying robbing behavior. I got a call from a beekeeper who told me that bees were flying in and out of his neighbors garage. I told him there was either a swarm in the garage or they were robbing something. He investigated it and called back. The bees were going after empty pop cans. Honeybees normally never mess with pop cans. But when the water evaporates out of the pop, the sugar level increases and it then becomes attractive for robbing.
 White Sweet Clover is done in the metro area. The hay fields are blooming and ready for their second cut. Spotted Knapweed is blooming and seems to be quite widespread. Purple Loosesteif is blooming in swampy areas.
Many beekeepers have experienced very good nectar flows so far with 4 - 6 supers filled on their colonies. Some beekeepers have had their best year ever. Goldenrod is on the horizon. If the Goldenrod nectar flows, this will end up being a great honey season for everyone.