 A very small cluster of bees that perished during the winter. Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 19, 2026. | Time in the Yard: 1 hour 58 minutes Avg Time per Colony: 5 minutes Time in Barn: 3 hours Total Colonies: 24 Temperature (°F): Hi: 55° Low: 32° Avg: 40.5° Total Precipitation: 1.04” |
Actions:
Cut and prepared twenty-five 4lb fondant patties on parchment paper for supplemental feeding. Unconsumed fondant that had been placed above the inner cover nine weeks ago was moved below the inner cover to ensure direct contact with the bees. Replaced two sets of top and inner covers that had been blown off by strong winds. Added additional bricks to all lids to secure them to prevent displacement.
Observations:
Three colonies were lost due to suspected queen failure and/or viral pressure. Dead colonies had very small, queenless clusters in direct contact with food stores at time of death. Colonies fed nine weeks ago still had some or all of the fondant remaining. Colonies that entered winter with full food stores have now reached the top of the hive, with most retaining ¼ to ¾ of a super of capped stores. One colony still had a full super of capped stores.
Reflections:
Examining dead colonies can help identify potential causes of loss; however, thorough records are far more helpful for post-mortem assessments. After reviewing our inspection records we were able to gain better insight on each colony’s cause of loss including; queen events throughout the season, populations that failed to thrive despite supplementation and being combined, sustained low or high mite loads, and when/if populations began declining.
Things in bloom: American Witch-hazel
Cut and prepared twenty-five 4lb fondant patties on parchment paper for supplemental feeding. Unconsumed fondant that had been placed above the inner cover nine weeks ago was moved below the inner cover to ensure direct contact with the bees. Replaced two sets of top and inner covers that had been blown off by strong winds. Added additional bricks to all lids to secure them to prevent displacement.
- Fed 4lb of fondant to 15 colonies. Fed when fondant had not been applied at the previous feeding or if 1lb or more had already been consumed.
Observations:
Three colonies were lost due to suspected queen failure and/or viral pressure. Dead colonies had very small, queenless clusters in direct contact with food stores at time of death. Colonies fed nine weeks ago still had some or all of the fondant remaining. Colonies that entered winter with full food stores have now reached the top of the hive, with most retaining ¼ to ¾ of a super of capped stores. One colony still had a full super of capped stores.
Reflections:
Examining dead colonies can help identify potential causes of loss; however, thorough records are far more helpful for post-mortem assessments. After reviewing our inspection records we were able to gain better insight on each colony’s cause of loss including; queen events throughout the season, populations that failed to thrive despite supplementation and being combined, sustained low or high mite loads, and when/if populations began declining.
Things in bloom: American Witch-hazel
Upon removal of the telescoping lid, we found this cluster had reached the top of the super. While they still had capped food stores left, this is a good indicator that they are reaching the end of those stores and may require feeding. Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 19, 2026.
A 4lb fondant patty placed 9 weeks ago above the inner cover using a wood shim. Below the parchment paper, bees are still consuming the fondant. Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 19, 2026.