24 February 2024

Yesterday afternoon was heat and sunny at Marianne Atkinson’s home when she observed bees at her chook feeder and despatched me this message:

I’m involved about a number of honey bees. It’s 48° and sunny on Feb. 23, 2024 at 3:15 P.M. The bees are crawling on the sunflower chips which are on this little window feeder and on my steps and platform feeder.  The sunflower chips are dry. There isn’t any water in them for the bees to drink or nectar.

Why are they doing this? Are they okay?

Years in the past I realized from beekeeper pals that early spring is a hungry time for honeybees. The heat wakes them up within the hive, they go on the lookout for meals, however there aren’t any flowers but. Beekeepers present additional meals within the hive right now of yr however honeybees within the wild should go exploring.

Howard Russell at Michigan State College Extension supplied this rationalization:

Honey bees reap the benefits of any meals supply after a protracted, chilly winter, together with chook feeders. …

The bees acquire the pollen-sized seed mud particles and yeast which are discovered within the cracked corn and different seeds we set out for our little feathered pals for which, I’m positive, the bees are extraordinarily grateful. The bees will transfer on to their most well-liked meals sources as spring flowers start to look. 

— Michigan State College Extension: Hungry honey bees visiting chook feeders

This winter continues to fluctuate from chilly (at present) to heat (within the 60s Monday by Wednesday). Hold your feeders stuffed for birds … and hungry honeybees.

(picture and video from Marianne Atkinson)