 An active hive on a 61° day in January. Photo by Eric Malcolm, January 7, 2026. | Time in the Yard: 0 minutes Time in the Barn: 5 hours 15 minutes Total Colonies: 27 Hi Temp: 61° Low Temp: 22° Avg Temp: 37.86° Total Precipitation: 0.04” |
Actions:
Very briefly checked yards and replaced 2 tops that were blown off by the wind and checked entrances for activity, peaked under a few lids to check fondant consumption.In the barn; reassembled the clean and dry top feeders and stacked them in the pole barn. Cleaned two old chest freezers (broken) to make space for a replacement chest freezer. Took time to plan the first part of the season; looking at spring treatment supplies, planning splits to increase colony numbers and avoid losing swarms, and preparing for ordering queens. Cleaned up overgrowth around hives at one apiary.
Observations:
Hives were very active on the warmest day this week! The few hives that were checked have not consumed much/any fondant since it was applied on 12/19/2025.
Reflections:
Checking on the colonies and doing a little outdoor “housekeeping” on a warm day is a treat in early January! It is also refreshing to have a quiet moment to plan and prepare for the 2026 beekeeping season.
Things in bloom: Japanese Camellia, Leatherleaf Mahonia
Very briefly checked yards and replaced 2 tops that were blown off by the wind and checked entrances for activity, peaked under a few lids to check fondant consumption.In the barn; reassembled the clean and dry top feeders and stacked them in the pole barn. Cleaned two old chest freezers (broken) to make space for a replacement chest freezer. Took time to plan the first part of the season; looking at spring treatment supplies, planning splits to increase colony numbers and avoid losing swarms, and preparing for ordering queens. Cleaned up overgrowth around hives at one apiary.
Observations:
Hives were very active on the warmest day this week! The few hives that were checked have not consumed much/any fondant since it was applied on 12/19/2025.
Reflections:
Checking on the colonies and doing a little outdoor “housekeeping” on a warm day is a treat in early January! It is also refreshing to have a quiet moment to plan and prepare for the 2026 beekeeping season.
Things in bloom: Japanese Camellia, Leatherleaf Mahonia