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Early Pollen Sources

Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 11:40 pm
by DavidStern
Hello Everyone!
My name is David and I am new to this forum and this is my first post.
This is my first overwintering of bee colonies in Colorado (having previously kept bees in Missouri) and I am not sure what to expect as far as the first pollen availability of the 2018 season. I see maple trees close to home and assume they will be among the first to bloom but I don't really know. I would like to get a sense of what to expect and would appreciate the help of any and all...the more the better. I'd love to get a peek and the notes you've taken over the years about when this or that bloomed. I'm excited to hear from you.

Re: Early Pollen Sources

Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:46 pm
by kristinahoney
Hi David,
You're right that maples are the first to bloom in mid Feb. They can be a great source of pollen and nectar IF the weather permits foraging. The bees usually get at least something on those 70 degree days in between the 15 degree days. That goes for Feb, March, and even April. Mahonia blooms about the end of Feb and is an important native for honey bees and mason bees. Fruit trees are the next bloom, but often freeze. Once the dandelions bloom, spring is here! Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Kristina Williams
BCBA Board
Beehave LLC mentoring and support for bees and their keepers
Boulder, CO

Re: Early Pollen Sources

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 9:39 pm
by DavidStern
Thank you for the valuable info, Kristina. I am not familiar with Mahonia in Missouri but early maples can bloom in February where I used to live. In the area where I lived the bees could really brood up on the maple pollen and I wonder if (with good weather) I can expect that here? Or is it the dandelions that really get things going here? I really appreciate it! Thank you again.

Re: Early Pollen Sources

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 2:50 pm
by kristinahoney
Bees can brood up on the maples, but they can run through the last of their winter in a big hurry because of it. There's often a lag before the next food appears at the same time as good weather. So Late Feb, early March is the time to watch carefully for starvation. Dandelions are sign that the worst is over. Even if they get snowed on, they rebloom in a few days. Even though their pollen isn't the most nutritious, I wish there were more of them.
Cheers,
Kristina

Re: Early Pollen Sources

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 2:51 pm
by kristinahoney
Come to the meeting next week!

Re: Early Pollen Sources

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:04 pm
by DavidStern
Thank you very much for the local know-how. I really appreciate you letting me know about the possible lag between the maple bloom and next possible food source with good weather. This info is very valuable to me. I bought some pollen sub at Harlequin Gardens before it closed for the season so I am somewhat prepared to help the colonies keep going after the maples. Thank you for the invite to the meeting! I went to the local meetings in Missouri but I am so much more busy here than I was there... I can't commit right now, but I do want to go. Thanks again!

Re: Early Pollen Sources

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 4:21 pm
by kristinahoney
Harlequin's will be open again Thu-Sun starting 1 March if you need anything else. I'm working there in the Bee Barn again so maybe I'll see you!
Cheers,
Kristina

Re: Early Pollen Sources

Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2018 10:13 am
by DavidStern
Hey, I will try to make it to the meeting. I want my son to come too. see you there.