April 30th - and all's well

We're getting off to a good start this year with one hive that wintered over and looks strong.  The second hive is a start-up where I purchased a package of bees and added the early in the month.  The bees seem to be happy and thriving in their new home.

This is the new hive with a package of bees added early April

This is hive that wintered over.  Note how dirty it is!  I need to clean it early morning before the bees come out. I just  made the opening larger because bees were backed up at the entrance

I switched from d-cell batteries to power my electric fence to a marine battery.  This will hold the charge longer so that hopefully I won't run low and bears attack, like last year.   My plan is to pretty up the area with potted plants that can sit on the stumps within the hive area.

I've also set up a viewing area in front of the hives where I get a good view with my binoculars. I love to sit there after work with a glass of wine and watch the bees to see what they're bringing in.  Last night the pollen was pretty bright yellow, where a week ago, it was more cream colored.

I am hoping this area is surrounded by plants later in the season!